“A Very Festive, Joyous and Heartwarming Event…”

The Love Ball, MCHS’s annual gala, was held on November 7 at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda to celebrate the thousands of animals who have found new homes through MCHS this year and thank the many people who have helped give them a chance for a better life— adopters, MCHS employees and volunteers, fosters, and more. Read “Love Notes” from guests about their experiences.

Click here to check out photos from the event and purchase prints.

Sher Polvinale,

2009 Humane Award of the Year recipient

Special Awards for Special People

MCHS Chairman, Jo Ann Hoffman and Vice Chairman, Aileen Montgomery presented the following awards:

Volunteer of the Year Award, MCHS Feline Focus Committee (Bill Beckner; Suzanne Beckner; Cara Brady; Margaret Clarke; Kathy Dillon; Victoria Jones; Beth Price; Dr. Dale Rubenstein; Debby Shore; Vicki Thomas; Diane Tunis; Shirley Watson; Maureen Williams);

Foster of the Year Award, Lisa Hempel;

Employee of the Year Award, Linda Brand.

The Humane Award of the Year was presented to Sher Polvinale from House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary in Gaithersburg for her dedication to animals who are most in need, and for her longstanding friendship with MCHS and the medically challenged animals she helps.

Special Guests Joined MCHS to Celebrate

County Executive Ike Leggett and his wife, Catherine were on hand to greet attendees and help celebrate a good year for MCHS. Maryland Senator Rona Kramer also was in attendance, as was Karen McManus, who represented U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen.

“This year, the gala was renamed The Love Ball to ensure that all animal lovers feel a part of our success,” said Cris Bombaugh, President & CEO. “MCHS shelters and cares for a wide variety of animals – not only dogs and cats, but rabbits, ferrets, mice, hamsters, chinchillas, cockatiels iguanas, snakes, fish, goats, chickens, pigs, roosters, peacocks, and many, many more. The people who love these animals are all part of our caring community.”

County Executive Ike Leggett, MCHS Chair JoAnn Hoffman and MCHS CEO Cris Bombaugh

Many Thanks to Our Event Sponsors

Event sponsors: Baker-Merine Family Foundation; Larry & Jolene Shapiro; The Calvert Group; Living Ruff; Nature’s Variety and Fetch! Pet Care

Media sponsors: Bethesda Magazine, Montgomery Life, The Gazette

Table sponsors: Dr. Leslie Taylor, Canal Clinic and Debbie Taylor

Thank You’s

Chic room décor and centerpieces was provided by our new friends Jeffrey and Kevin of Capital Décor & Events. The live band in the ballroom was generously donated by Bittersweet. Other music groups included Undercover and DJ Rephael (Oscar Banderas).

Special thanks to Joseph Allen Photography for creating the special photo presentation, Army of Me for granting permission to use their song, and covering the event photography.

At the Doggie Bar, dogs were treated to gourmet goodies from Bentley’s Barkery and sponsor, Nature’s Variety, as well as thoughtful gift bags from Tracy Kinnahan of Pro Feed in Rockville. Gena Wilson, animal communicator, also volunteered her time during the general reception for pet readings. The potty area in the parking garage was sponsored by Doody Calls and Johnson’s Landscaping and VIP guest gifts were donated by Sniffers Doggie Depot in Rockville.

Souleyret & Associates and Paul’s of Chevy Chase donated the guest gift bags with champagne and adorable paw print tissue paper. Cheers!

Thanks to Howard Parzow for donating his live auction services. The featured live auction item a VIP trip to MGM Grand in Las Vegas was won by supporter, Susan Noonan. Have a wonderful time Susan!

Special thanks to the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, Swank Audio Visual, HiTEK Studio for event signage, and David Barrish for running the audio visual.

Staff & Committee
Love Ball Staff

Ashley K., Event Coordinator

bj Altschul, Director, Community & Educational Relations

David Poole, Volunteer Coordinator

Kathi Alexander, E-Marketing Manager and Database Administrator

Love Ball Committee
Nancy Ashley

Zelinda Baker
Amy Bolger
Erica Wicks Brown
Geri Bellman
Sue Faber
Jennifer Gaegler
Jo Ann Hoffman
Victoria Jones
Donna and Howard Parzow
Jacki Pearlman
Erika Regnier
Ellen Ryan
Jolene Shapiro
Ellie Slotkin
Vicki Thomas