Announcing SPCA of Texas 2023 Fur Ball Chairs Elbert and Christie Choi

Long-time Animal Lovers Work to Help the Helpless

SPCA of Texas is pleased to announce Elbert and Christie Choi as chairs of the 2023 Fur Ball, which will be Friday, October 20th. “There is nothing more gratifying than helping the helpless and you can’t get more helpless than dogs,” said Mr. and Mrs. Choi. “And to partner with SPCA of Texas, whose entire mission is to do just that, is such an honor and a privilege.”

“It was a little daunting at first, I must admit,” added Christie. “But I personally love dogs and I also love the diversity, the different walks of life, and the different people that SPCA of Texas brings together, especially to Fur Ball. It’s really cool to be a part of that.”

Christie and Elbert have had soft spots in their hearts for dogs as long as they can remember. They rescued their first pup together, Molly, shortly after they were married. “Someone had abandoned this beautiful Pittie-mix puppy in a dumpster in Chicago during the winter,” Christie remembered. “We both immediately knew we had to have her!” Molly has since passed, but the vacancy did not last long as Maddy and Ellie were rescued shortly thereafter.

It wasn’t long before the Chois decided to start their family foundation and began looking for great causes near and dear to their hearts. “Dogs are first and foremost for us,” Elbert said. The Chois did a Google search for animal groups in the area and SPCA of Texas popped up.

“The timing couldn’t have been better, as it was right before the Fur Ball, so on a whim, we decided to sponsor it,” Elbert said. “We attended and absolutely loved it. We’ve been supporting SPCA of Texas ever since!

“We work with several wonderful organizations, but our major support goes to the North Texas Food Bank and to the SPCA of Texas through the Fur Ball.”

The Chois invite their friends to the Ball each year and everyone has a great time. “It’s a perfect date night,” Christie said. “Why go out and spend hundreds of dollars when you can go to a charitable event, have fun and make a difference?”

The 2023 Fur Ball will be in an exciting venue—The Factory—and is guaranteed to be a good time. The Chois look forward to this year’s Fur Ball having a little bit of something for everyone. From a cool, hipster vibe to a glamorous, dignified setting, Fur Ball 2023 will let everyone know that it’s cool to give and that when they give, donors are making actionable change for the animals.

“We want people to think twice before spending $5,000 on a new handbag or pair of shoes and instead, look at some organizations they can fund,” Elbert commented. “It’s such a ‘me’ centered world; our generation looks to quantify return on investment even in the nonprofit world. This year’s Fur Ball will feature giving opportunities that identify what you are providing to SPCA of Texas.

“For example, a $3K sponsorship is so many vaccines, or $5K is so many spay/neuters,” Elbert added. “Everyone is looking for something in terms of a return.”

In addition to raising money to save animals, the Fur Ball will be an opportunity to raise awareness of the drastic need of help for animals throughout North Texas.

“It helps to see the pets in need; to see reminders of just how hurt some of these dogs and cats are,” Christie noted. “We will see a video at Fur Ball that lets us see what the veterinarians do—what the organization does—when we see the animals suffering and what the SPCA of Texas does, it makes me realize just how important this event is and how important it is for guests to open their hearts and give.”

Fur Ball 2023 also will feature beautiful animals that have benefited from donor generosity; pets that are ready and available for adoption. “We have two dogs at home, but I’ve been lobbying for a third,” Elbert smiled. “Fur Ball just might be the ideal setting to find the perfect addition to our family!

“We hope this year’s Fur Ball décor and attire inspiration—Fifty Shades of Purple—will be fun and bring an energetic and mysterious vibe to the event. “Just imagine us all wearing gowns and suits in every iteration of purple imaginable, all to celebrate the rescuing of these precious and vulnerable animals!”