It's that time of year... the Bark Ball is Almost Here!

By: Tara

Mark your calendars; in just about one month (June 7th) the Washington Humane Society will celebrate its 21st Annual Bark Ball! In its 21st year, we assure you this Bark Ball will be one of the very best yet! This year, NBC News Chief White House Correspondent, David Gregory will be our Event Chair, and Mary Matalin and James Carville will be the honorary Chairs.

In keeping with a Decision 2008 theme, dogs attending the event (usually about 400 dogs in black-tie wag their tails in the ballroom at the Renaissance Hotel) will participate in Washington, DC's first ever Canine Primary, hosted by Capitol Dog Bakery!

You may not know this, but the Bark Ball is how I first became involved with the Washington Humane Society (WHS). At the time I was working for Washington Life Magazine, and had wanted to volunteer my public relations skills to a leading non-profit open-access animal welfare organization. I did my research and WHS caught my attention. So, I asked if I could help and be on the Bark Ball planning committee. Then, one thing led to another and I was asked to come on board full-time in October of 2006, and now here I am today!

The Bark Ball is an incredibly unique event, and the only one of its kind in Washington, DC where guests dressed in black-tie attire can bring their four-legged companion as their date. Something that I think is so very special about this event is its ability to bring people together; no matter who you are or where you come from, when your dog decides he/she wants to drag you over to meet the dressed up Great Dane in the corner, you instantly become friends with the owner of that dog. The human/animal bond transcends all boundaries and walls we build up around ourselves, and this type of interaction allows us to get to the substance of a person very quickly! So, to say the least, this is not your typical Washington, DC black-tie affair!

I remember last year watching our Event Chairs, Mary Matalin and James Carville make their way through the ballroom with their 5 dogs in hand, and seeing them connect with fellow guests on such an authentic level as their dogs sniffed and mingled with others. After attending so many different events in this town, it is so refreshing that this is one where people really can get to know each other and have fun while doing it. Most importantly, it is one of WHS's largest fundraisers and supports our programs and all of the thousands of animals we rehabilitate and care for each year! (photo below of WHS Board Chairman Jay Timmons, WHS President and CEO Lisa LaFontaine, Mary Matalin and James Carville)

So, before we sell out of tables and tickets, click here to purchase yours! It is a night you don't want to miss!

I would like to thank our generous Bark Ball sponsors: EJF CAPITAL, AMERICAN AIRLINES, COMCAST, NELSON B. DELAVAN FOUNDATION, WEIR FOUNDATION, HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS, LARRY AND ANISSA GROSSMAN, SAP AMERICA, US STEEL CORPORATION AND TERRY STRAUB, JAY TIMMONS, ERNST AND YOUNG LLP, AON CORPORATION, DOUG ZIMMERMAN.

BARK BALL GOURMET DOG TREATS WILL BE PROVIDED BY: DOGGIE STYLE BAKERY! (FYI, Doggie Style just re-opened their fancy all natural pet spa, so be sure to stop in and check it out. Call 202-667-0595 to make an appointment)

If you are interested in becoming a 2008 Bark Ball Sponsor, please click here! 

I hope to see you on June 7th!