The Emporia area's stray cat population received a significant boost in support last week, as the Street Cats Club raised $29,505 at its second annual Black Cat Ball fundraiser.
Held Friday night at the Emporia Granada Theater, the event exceeded expectations, nearly reaching the group’s ambitious $30,000 goal. Executive Director Victoria Partridge expressed her gratitude to the community for helping meet the growing demand for their services.
"We set the goal at $30,000 this year because the need in our community has skyrocketed," Partridge said. "Last year, our goal was $20,000, but with the increasing number of stray cats, we’ve had to expand our efforts. This year’s goal was critical to help us continue offering essential services like spaying and neutering, and providing medical care for sick, injured, and orphaned cats."
Partridge said one of the driving forces behind the fundraising increase was the introduction of new elements to the event, including a silent auction and sweepstakes. Both proved to be popular additions.
"We wanted to provide more ways for people to contribute beyond just attending the event," she said. "The silent auction and sweepstakes were highly successful, and they’ll definitely be part of the event going forward."
Street Cats Club operates entirely through volunteers, who juggle their own jobs, families, and responsibilities in order to rescue and care for the area's stray cats. Every dollar raised goes directly toward the organization's mission — primarily covering veterinary bills, which are the biggest expense the group faces.
"We always have at least 1,000 cats on our trap-neuter-return (TNR) request list, and we get new requests every day," Partridge explained. "Even though we're doing as much as we can, the demand keeps growing."
The group also runs a foster program that has seen a surge in activity this year due to a community outbreak of panleukopenia, a highly contagious and often deadly disease among cats.
"Panleukopenia is rampant right now," Partridge said. "It kills 90% of cats without treatment and even with care, it has a 50% fatality rate. It’s been heartbreaking, but our local veterinarians have been incredible partners in helping us treat these cases."
The funds raised from the Black Cat Ball will go toward critical medical expenses like spaying and neutering, vaccinations, and other treatments. This year, the group also began microchipping all of its foster cats, ensuring adopted cats can be easily identified if they ever get lost.
"Medical fees account for the vast majority of our expenses," Partridge said. "Whether it's paying veterinary bills or purchasing supplies like fluids for severely dehydrated cats or injectable vitamins for malnourished ones, every dollar goes toward helping these animals. And thanks to the local vets who allow us to bring in cats at the last minute, we can provide the life-saving care they need."
Rescuing Cats While Raising Funds
The intense demands of running the Street Cats Club were on full display during the Black Cat Ball itself. While volunteers were decorating the theater, the organization received calls about three separate litters of kittens, each requiring urgent care. Partridge recounted how volunteers like Erin Ewing worked tirelessly behind the scenes to rescue and evaluate these litters while the fundraiser was in full swing.
"Erin was out there coordinating rescues and getting these kittens into foster care while the rest of us were preparing for the event," Partridge said. "She didn’t make it to the Black Cat Ball until it was nearly over, but I gave her the biggest hug when she walked in. She’s just one example of how hard our volunteers work. While we’re raising money, they’re out there saving lives."
Each of the three litters had different issues requiring immediate attention. One litter was brought in after the mother cat became severely ill with anemia and panleukopenia. Another mother cat had developed mastitis, preventing her from nursing her kittens, which had also developed upper respiratory infections. The third litter had been found in a dangerous location where one kitten had already drowned, and the mother cat had begun to reject the remaining kittens. In all, the group rescued 15 kittens that day.
“It was an emotional rollercoaster,” Partridge admitted. “But it shows just how urgent the need is and how dedicated our team is. We're always balancing multiple emergencies, but we do it because these cats need us."
Looking Ahead
Partridge is hopeful that the funds raised will allow the organization to continue its critical work. However, she acknowledged that the challenges are ongoing.
“We hear the community’s cries for help, and we’re doing everything we can,” she said. “But the reality is, we’re still facing overwhelming demand. We’re constantly looking for new ways to expand our efforts, particularly in spaying and neutering, because that’s the only long-term solution to controlling the stray cat population.”
With nearly $30,000 raised at this year’s Black Cat Ball, the Street Cats Club is well-positioned to continue its mission in 2025. Partridge and her team are already brainstorming ways to make next year’s event even bigger and better.
“We’re so thankful to everyone who came out to support us,” Partridge said. “This work is hard, but it’s worth it. Every dollar raised at the Black Cat Ball will go toward saving lives, and we’re already looking forward to next year.”
For more information about the Street Cats Club, their programs, or to donate or volunteer, visit their website or follow them on social media.