CARE. Center for Animal Research and Education. It’s a name that long-time attendees of Furry Fiesta will know well, as they’ve been our charity every year so far. But who are they? What do they do? Why should you help?

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Well, let’s hit their website: “OUR MISSION: Provide for the rescue, rehabilitation, and holistic nurturing of sick, injured, and abused Big Cats. CARE is dedicated to providing these majestic creatures with a safe habitat so they can live with dignity and comfort.” Really, that tells you everything you need to know, but let me explain further.

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All too often, big cats find themselves mistreated, poorly cared-for, or neglected. That adorable little lion cub you had imported from Africa? Now it’s an immense lion that looks at you and thinks “midnight snack!”. That performing animal from that carnival or circus that you liked so much? It needs a lot more space than that little cage to stay healthy. Everything from starvation to poor living environments to intentional hobbling afflicts these awesome animals, these innocent creatures upon which we base much of our fandom – and our culture! – and someone needs to step in and make sure that they receive the attention they need, both medical and emotional.

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Someone needs to CARE. And you can help.

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Every year so far, Furry Fiesta’s numbers have skyrocketed. We were one of the fastest conventions to reach 1,000 attendees, having exploded onto the scene with a fervor that shows just how much an event like ours was needed in the fandom. Unfortunately, our charity numbers just haven’t kept pace with that growth.

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And so, I set forth the challenge:

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I want each attendee to set aside five dollars (not even enough to buy a value meal at McDonald’s) and bring it with you with the express intent of donating it to CARE. Whether you choose to play in our poker tournament, hit up the charity auction, donate at their table in the dealer’s den, or decide to use it to pie someone in the face – yeah, you read that right – I want each person attending Furry Fiesta to set aside just five dollars for the purpose of donating that money to CARE this year. If every attendee will donate just that trifling sum, we can absolutely obliterate last year’s total and help our charity to recuperate from the winter doldrums.

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If you can donate more, fantastic! We’d love to accept any assistance you can offer. Whether you’re bringing cash to any of the multitude of charity-themed events or bringing an item to Con Ops with the intent of donating it to the charity auction, every little bit counts. If everyone does what they can, the future of these animals will be bright!

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So, what do you say? Lend a paw!

While we know your coming to spend you end days with Furry Fiesta and our wonderful Guest of Honor.

We will also be  graced with these great Special Guests as well. They will be providing shows and panel to entertain us all. To read more about our special guests go to our GOH page

Rhubarb The Bear

Alex “Khaki” Vance sponsored by FurPlanet

Furry Night Live

Amber does Dallas

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding two costume contests for the attendees.
The first is for Non-fursuiting attendee to whom is best dressed in the Beyond Thunderdome theme.
The other is for a Fursuiter who also dressed in best in theme of Furry Fiesta’s Beyond Thunderdome Theme.

One winner in each of these categories will win a free Membership for 2013. So dress through in theme through out the con as the winners will be announced at Closing Ceremonies!!

Thanks

Our Variety show once again will be looking for acts, performances, musical entertainment and what have you for one of the best shows of the fandom. Performances should try to limit themselves to 3 minutes but longer, exceptional acts will be permitted. All performances do need to show up to least one of the rehearsals being offered. Keep in mind our show does offer prizes for the best acts so you could win something cool just by entertaining your fellow attendees If you are a performer or wish to become a performer we will be offering several events through out the con in which you can be a part of and likely be part of the show. We are are also looking for those who wish to assist backstage, Stage Ninjas and more. If you are interested in any of what is being asked for just shoot a post on the Furry Fiesta Forum. Look for our post there!

So you want to help with A/V at Furry Fiesta?
By all means be sure and drop us a line because we could use your help!

Below is a list of what we are currently looking for.

Camera operators (bonus points if you have your own HD camera, but it is not required)

Stage ninjas, we need qualified Stage ninjas for main events. Your duty’s would be to make sure event staff are mic’ed properly and help with clearing and setting deck.
We prefer you to have prior experience with Mics/stage work but not required as we can train you.

Equipment that is currently needed,
2 HD cameras (email for specific specs required)
2 tripods
1 web streaming capable camera and computer for streaming

If you can help with any of these things please email our A/V coordinator Ratchet

Hey did you enjoy a panel last year? Do you think you can or want to run your own panel? You never know what people will be into, and every one loves a species meet & greet, but we NEED YOU! While the con does provide a bit of events and panels, a good portion of panels at any con are brought to you by an attendee. So here is your chance at Furry Fiesta to do a panel.

To submit a panel that you wish to run
Click Here to Submit a Panel
and fill out the online questionnaire