The Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies hosted its annual Faux Fur Ball March 28 at the Palm Springs Air Museum, honoring the deep bond between Coachella Valley animal lovers and the animals who depend on them.
Sponsored by The Carl Jud Foundation, the sold-out event was a celebration of compassion, community and second chances for animals who need it most. The evening raised $820,000 to support the lifesaving work of the Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies (formerly known as Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter), which comprises the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, the Desert Wildlife Center and the Desert Community Animal Center.
The festivities commenced with a hosted reception and silent auction in the Pacific Hanger on the museum’s open-air tarmac surrounded by historic aircraft. Dinner followed. As guests enjoyed a scrumptious three-course vegan and vegetarian dinner by Lulu Catering and Events, they were serenaded by the New York-based Well-Strung, the singing string quartet.
“Your presence means so much, not just to us, but to the thousands of animals whose lives you help transform every single year,” said Bart Verry, director of development at the Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies. “You have truly been by our side every step of the way. We’ve experienced incredible growth with the expansion of the Desert Wildlife Center and the Desert Community Animal Center, milestones that simply would not have been possible without your continued support.
“Over the past four years, our revenues have tripled. That kind of growth reflects a community that believes deeply in this mission. And tonight is a critical part of that success, because the Faux Fur Ball plays a vital role in ensuring we can continue this lifesaving work.”
Throughout the evening, guests heard heartwarming stories showcasing the lifesaving work being done at these three facilities.
Dan Rossi, executive director of the Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies, detailed the success of the organization. “With the shelter and our other two facilities, the Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies is able to help more animals that are in need around our valley. We are extremely proud of our growth, but our heart and soul of the organization will always be the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.
“In 2024, our programs and services touched the lives of 16,518 animals. In 2025, we touched the lives of 33,522 animals. (That’s) more than double.”
Dr. Phil Caldwell, medical director at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, told the crowd he found his passion for practicing high-quality medicine and surgery once he started working in a shelter setting. And he’s quick to praise the Palm Springs shelter’s success stories. “In 2025, we took in 2,754 animals,” he said, “and of those, we placed 2,632 in new homes, including 1,344 dogs, 1,210 cats and 78 other animals. This resulted in a 94% live release rate.”
In closing, Rossi told guests: “Because of you, lives are saved, families are completed and futures are changed.”
To learn more about the Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies or to make a donation, call 760-416-5718 or visit gpsanimalallies.org.
Madeline Zuckerman is owner and president of M. Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations Inc., a marketing, branding, public relations and special events firm with offices in Rancho Mirage and Newport Beach, California. Zuckerman is a founder of McCallum Theatre, a Desert Arc Champion, a member of the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation and a board member of the One Valley Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Coachella Valley Firebirds. She has been a guest reporter for The Desert Sun for 18 years.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Faux Fur Ball Masquerade raises $820,000 for local animals
Reporting by Madeline Zuckerman, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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