Black Cat Ball sees highest attendance in night's history
- Amanda Davis
- Oct 18
- 2 min read
The Black Cat Ball, a spooky-themed gala hosted by the Emporia Street Cats Club, invited supporters for an evening of costumed community, a silent auction, and fundraising. The ball sold over 100 tickets, tripling attendance from last year and marking the highest attended night since the event’s beginning three years ago.
The night featured tarot readings by Insightful Sequoia, a Mexican-themed dinner and deserts by Gourmet To-Go Catering, and spooky floral centerpieces made by Botanica Floral & Design. A costume contest was held near the end of the night, and visitors could dance in a “Rave To The Grave.” A 40+ silent auction bid off items such as a trip to the Topeka Cat Cafe, handmade art, and local gift certificates.
The Emporia Street Cats Club aids in the rehabilitation and care of reportedly 15,000 stray cats around Lyon County. The club’s Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program, fixes an estimated 500 cats every year, at no cost to the participant.
The Lola Love Fund fixes lower-income cat-owners pets at no additional cost.
All proceeds from ticket sales, corporate sponsors, and the silent auction, will pay for veterinary bills - easily the highest cost experienced by the club. Partridge said that events like the Black Cat Ball are vital to keep the mission of the club alive.
“All of our funds come from grants that we write, donations that we receive, and fundraising events like this,” Partridge said. “We receive no money from any large corporate sponsor, we are not paid by the city, we have no paid employees, so we're all just volunteers just asking for money and thankfully a lot of people really support the work that we do.”
The night featured visitors arriving in elaborate, often Halloween themed costumes. Partridge explained that what started as a suggestion has now become a staple of the ball. Guests are encouraged to arrive in either spooky glam or a costume.
“The percentage of the people that are coming in costume is a higher percentage than it was the previous year,” Partridge said. “Even as you look around today, you're going to see more people in costumes than you are people wearing spooky glam. I really love that because I think it's such a fun element.”
The night allows Partridge and her volunteers to mingle with the community and find support in their work.
“It's just incredible to see that many people come in and enjoy this event and have a good time,” Partridge said. “I'm so excited to see this place full as all the people arrive.”
