MardiPaw 2004

by John Vettese

Think Fur Ball, but with a greater size and scope. Following the lead of the annual Morris Animal Refuge fundraiser, MardiPaw 2004 will harness human revelry to aid our four-legged friends. In its inaugural year, this gala thrown by the Greater Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society looks to raise money for Morris, Center City's shelter for abandoned, neglected and abused animals, as well as a host of other creature-friendly nonprofits. The Wayne-based Pals for Life, which brings pets to nursing homes to raise the spirits of residents, is an acclaimed beneficiary among event organizers, but funds will also go to the Women's Humane Society animal shelter in Bensalem and SPCAs in Montgomery and Delaware counties and shelters in Camden and Gloucester. Come this weekend, the Convention Center's Grand Ballroom will be converted into a New Orleans street scene: benches, antiquated lampposts, low lights and some 18,000 bead necklaces. Faux bistro façades staffed by folks from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College will serve up Cajun food, with the evening broken up by two full-on parades (!) led by Fralinger String Band and the Shooting Stars Fancy Brigade, both winning Mummers this year. Since costumes are encouraged, you'll no doubt count more than a couple of partygoers dressed as their animal companions. Unfortunately, despite the adorable ad campaign featuring a William Wegman-esque photo of a feather-mask-wearing chocolate lab, those pets will have to be left at home. But you can take comfort in knowing you are doing a great deal to help out their kin.

MardiPaw 2004, Sat., Feb. 21, 8 p.m., $60-$70, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., 866-462-2004, www.mardipaw.org.