By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. — Dust off the bell-bottoms. Watermelon Mountain Ranch, the Rio Rancho no-kill shelter that bills itself as New Mexico’s largest, throws its 30th anniversary Fur Ball on Saturday, and every ticket helps homeless dogs and cats get a second chance.
The gala, themed “30 Years of Peace, Love and Saving Lives,” runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Marriott Albuquerque Pyramid North. Guests can go flower child, disco or cocktail chic.
Lee and Sophia DiClemente founded the ranch in 1996. Its Molly’s Mercy Missions program has pulled more than 266,000 dogs and cats off euthanasia lists across the Southwest, according to the shelter.
“Thirty years represents an extraordinary commitment to animals who need us most,” said Sophia DiClemente, the ranch’s founder and CEO.
KOAT’s Shelly Ribando emcees the evening. Steve Stucker hosts the Parade of Pets and Costume Contest, where four-legged guests strut their stuff in costume. The New Mexico Ballet Company previews its holiday “Nutcracker,” and live and silent auctions round out the night. Proceeds fund animal care, adoptions and emergency assistance. Can’t make it? The ranch accepts donations online.
Watermelon Mountain Ranch 30th Anniversary Fur Ball
- When: 6–10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
- Where: Marriott Albuquerque Pyramid North, Albuquerque
- Dress: 1960s and ’70s flair, disco or cocktail attire
- Tickets: $135; limited number remain at wmranch.org
- Donate, adopt or volunteer: wmranch.org