VOCAL Furball
Fundraising event garners a record‑breaking $809,883 for nonprofit’s mission and capital campaign.
Nicole Lower spends some time with an adoptable puppy during the 10th annual Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) Furball “Boots, Black-tie & Best Friends: A Western Extravaganza” at the World Equestrian Center Expo 1 in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
Guests at the Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) Boots, Black-tie & Best Friends: A Western Extravaganza soiree on Feb. 27 had to dodge raindrops in their fanciest attire, but it was worth it.
The annual gala, held at the World Equestrian Center, featured cocktails, gourmet appetizers, dinner and a silent auction, along with dancing and music. During the event, VOCAL officials announced a new capital campaign to expand their campus and programs.
In a post-event email recap, VOCAL shared that just shy of 500 guests braved the pouring rain to attend the 10th annual Furball.
Each year, the Furball raises critical funds for VOCAL’s shelter, clinic, and outreach programs, which collectively serve more than 20,000 dogs and cats and the people who love them across the region, the news release noted.
This year’s event marked the launch of VOCAL’s capital campaign, Expanding Our Pawprint, created in response to the area’s rapid population growth and the increasing demand for accessible animal welfare services. Executive Director Kate Rengel outlined the vision for the expansion, which will unfold in three phases.
Phase I, highlighted during the evening, features the proposed 5,000‑square‑foot welcome center, which will become the heart of the VOCAL campus. The new facility will expand clinic capacity, strengthen the organization’s food and outreach programs, enhance youth and education services, and consolidate administrative offices. It will also serve as the primary point of entry for visitors and clients.
“To support Phase I, a generous donor has pledged to match up to $500,000 in campaign contributions made during 2026. The Furball raised $269,821 toward the campaign, an amount that will be matched by the St. Bernard Foundation. The full project is estimated at $2.5 million,” according to VOCAL.
Guests also contributed $230,225 to support VOCAL’s ongoing programs. Presenting sponsor Jenkins Subaru added to the momentum by presenting a $40,000 check, representing proceeds from its annual Share the Love promotion.
In total, the evening generated a record‑breaking $809,883 for VOCAL’s mission, the release noted.
To learn more, go to vocalforpets.org
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