Telethons
The APL hosts two telethons each year. The Fur-Get-Me-Not Telethon will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL). The Dick Goddard APL Telethon will take place in September 2026 with the exact date to be announced, from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm at the APL. This 14.5-hour broadcast on WKYC and the 13.5-hour broadcast on Fox 8 will showcase, during cut-ins and stories on the news, the diverse and meaningful work the APL does to rescue, heal, nurture, adopt and advocate for animals in need. The goal of the telethons is to unite the community and inspire viewers to put their compassion in action and give help, hope and a second chance to homeless animals.
Approximately 125 Phone Bank Volunteers are necessary for each telethon to help answer incoming calls from viewers who would like to donate to the APL. Phone Bank Volunteers are trained one-half hour prior to the shift time, and all others are trained on the job. This is a great opportunity for those who want to be involved but cannot commit to helping on a regular basis. Volunteers must be 18 or older to participate in the telethons.
Assignments include:
- Phone Bank Volunteers
- Registration Volunteer
- Gift Processing Volunteer
- Hospitality Room Volunteer
- Food Donation Retrieval Volunteer
- Shuttle Driver
- Phone Bank Runner
- Photographer
- Event Cleanup Volunteer.
Please submit an volunteer application to express your individual interest. If you would like to participate as a company/group, please complete the Adult Corporate Group Request form.
Annual Fur Ball Gala
The Cleveland Animal Protective League’s (APL’s) Fur Ball 2026 is on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the InterContinental Hotel. We are offering this event virtually also. It is the generosity of our community that makes this evening a success, and we hope you can be a part of this wonderful night as we come together to help the APL animals. We are committed to caring for every friendly, healthy animal for as long as it takes to find a new family. Fur Ball 2026 will benefit our Second Chance Program, with which we have been able to extend that same commitment to an increasing number of animals with treatable illnesses and injuries.
Fur Ball 2026 is a tail-wagging event! Guests at the in-person event will get to partake in the many food stations, take part in our incredibly fabulous live and silent auctions, and enjoy a program complete with a VIP (Very Important Pooch). Attire is dressy casual or theme-inspired attire. We use OneCause, an intuitive mobile bidding platform, for our auctions and more. If you haven’t volunteered at Fur Ball before, look at photos from last year’s event here!
There are many options to volunteer for the Fur Ball, whether leading up to, at, or after the event. We would love your help in any capacity.
Prior to the Event
The Auction Procurement Team works to obtain significant and unique auction items to exceed the fund-raising goal for the event’s live and silent auctions. The main activity of this team is to procure auction items. This includes identification of auction items and solicitation and follow up for the items. This process will include reaching out to members of the community, including individuals, stores and shops, service organizations, corporations and other nonprofit agencies for items or services. This team typically begins each year in June.
The Auction Presentation Team works to design and execute the overall presentation of the auction items to be displayed the night of the event. This includes identifying the supplies needed to package items, creating package tags, etc., that tie them into the theme of the Fur Ball and overall decorations. This team typically begins each year in September. Physical packaging of the auction items takes place two weeks before the event.
The Decoration Team works to help design and make creative, unique and meaningful event decorations to support the theme of event. Decorations include centerpieces for the grand ballroom tables, registration and throughout the venue. This team typically begins each year in September. Decorations are assembled in October.
Leading up to the Event
Help with a PACKAGING PARTY. We will physically package, number, label, and photograph the items for silent and live auctions at these parties. Snacks and beverages provided.
Help with TASKS, whether assembly or administrative, that are necessary to prepare for the event. These tasks are completed in a small group when supplies are ready.
Help LOAD and UNLOAD auction packages from the APL to the hotel. Auction packages must be loaded at the APL, transported, and unloaded at the hotel. This is an organized process, as to ensure the safety of the auction items and supplies for the event.
Help SET UP and DISPLAY auction packages and decorations at the hotel. Auction packages, tables, and decorations must be set up for display before the event. We will need many volunteers to help at the hotel as there is much to do to get ready for the evening event.
At the Event
REGISTRATION TEAM
The Registration team checks our guests in for the event using the OneCause system to provide them with everything they need to know to enjoy the event.
ONECAUSE GUEST SUPPORT TEAM
This team will be the experts on the OneCause system, along with representatives from OneCause and a staff supervisor, to help our guests who may need assistance. This is a role for those who are extremely comfortable helping guests with technology and the OneCause system. This team will support our guests with their use of OneCause during the event by answering their questions, troubleshooting user issues, and guiding them appropriately for their technical assistance needs. This team will be stationary at a help desk and roaming through the venue to aid our guests in addition to helping guests during the fulfillment process when the event ends.
RAFFLES TICKET SALES TEAM
Raffle tickets will be sold using either cash or OneCause through the assistance of a raffle sales volunteer. Physical raffle tickets will be utilized for the drawings at the end of the program. All raffle sales and rock glasses will be sold at stationary tables and by roaming volunteers throughout the venue. The types of raffles are:
AUCTION TEAM
Guests will use their own personal cell phones to bid on auction items using OneCause. The Table Monitor role will help monitor the auction packages, promote the auction packages for guest bidding, and break down the packages when given instructions for transport to the fulfillment area at the hotel. Table Monitors may become Bid Spotters or Auction Package Transporters.
FULFILLMENT TEAM
Guests will be able to view, verify, and process their payment for their winning auction packages on their own mobile devices through the OneCause system. After they confirm their purchase, guests will be able to proceed directly to fulfillment for retrieval of their items.
OTHER ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE EVENT:
Security Volunteer: Monitor the auction tables after setting up to ensure the security of the packages prior to the event from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on event day.
Photographer: Photograph event, capturing memorable moments throughout the event or at our fun guest photo display.
Animal Caretaker: Care for the featured animal throughout the evening, providing necessary supplies, company, and other comforts in addition to preparation of the VIP (Very important Pooch) for timely presentation during the program.
Guest Director: Direct guests to auction areas at the beginning of the event and down to closing at the end of the event.
Event Cleanup Volunteer: Clean up APL supplies and help load the truck for transport back to the APL.
OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VOLUNTEERING FOR THE EVENT:
Volunteers must be available to work the evening of the event from approximately 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and be willing and able to help with a variety of assignments. Valet parking and a light dinner are provided for volunteers.
Fur Ball volunteers are invited to participate in the auction and can bid on items during their break time. Volunteers must have customer service skills, be able to follow directions working independently and as a team, be meticulous and always use good judgment.
Certain positions require volunteers to be extremely comfortable using technology and software programs to serve our guests. Mandatory training for volunteer assignments will be provided in advance of the event according to your assignment. Advance training prepares everyone to be comfortable and confident in their roles. Volunteers must be aged 18 or older.
Please complete an online volunteer application to express your interest.
