Nashville, Tenn. – On August 11th, the historic Factory at Franklin held the fourth annual Agape Animal Ball, which not only sold out but broke all records raising $98,059 for Agape Animal Rescue’s dedicated rescue and foster initiatives. The event featured two co-hosts, media personality and Miss Nevada US 2013 Hilary Billings, and Agape’s own Stephanie Willis. Over 250 attendees came together for a celebration filled with elegance, excitement and the opportunity to save lives, including the event’s winner for best dressed, CMT’s Katie Cook, to contribute to the night’s success.
“Agape Animal Ball is such an important night for us, and I’m continuously humbled to see our community of sponsors, volunteers, rescue advocates and guests step up to help our dogs,” added Tanya Willis, Founder and Executive Director of Agape Animal Rescue. “More than 1,300 dogs and families have had their lives positively changed because of our annual event, and we are eternally grateful..”
This year’s ball was chaired by long-time volunteer, Kristine Kunta. Her safari theme came to life with the help of many amazing sponsors including presenting sponsor, My Second Home Pet Resort. The event featured a delicious dinner by Bacon & Caviar with drinks provided by presenting sponsor, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and local wineries like Nashville Urban Winery and Natchez Hills Vineyard. The event’s festivities included live music from the energetic and highly-acclaimed 8 South Band, complete with dancing, acrobatic/cirque entertainment by Suspended Gravity, animal-inspired games, as well as live and silent auctions. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet (and fall in love with) some exotic members from the Nashville Zoo.
Agape Animal Rescue, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 2004, is dedicated to finding forever homes for abandoned and displaced dogs while educating the public to become more responsible pet owners. Agape Animal Ball was introduced as a dream benefit idea by a longtime Agape volunteer in 2013. The event came into fruition that year and returned in 2016 where it developed into the organization’s most supportive fundraiser in Agape’s 14 years of operation. Now, the formal masquerade is held annually in support of Agape’s rescue and foster program. In addition, with the support of corporate and local sponsorships, Agape Animal Ball remains crucial as it typically raises enough funds for a complete year of vet healthcare and nutrition.
For more information, visit www.agapeanimalball.org