The gala season is officially underway with the Halifax Humane Society’s announcement of this year’s Furball theme along with the guest honoree and event co-chairs. This year’s “Fly Me to The Moon” gala shines a spotlight on the organization’s evolving focus: ensuring that families and their beloved pets have a soft landing.
“The ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ gala theme represents the start of a wonderful journey for pets and owners, but also our growing support of them with a safe return home,” says Sean Hawkins, Halifax Humane Society’s CEO.
The Furball is a primary source of funding for the shelter’s operations. Each ticket and sponsorship helps fund programming for the more than 15,000 animals provided with shelter and medical care each year.
This year’s attendees will step into a starlit sanctuary where shimmering constellations and the immersive night sky create a beautiful moonlit glow. Yet, beneath the beauty of the crescent moon, the event serves as the bedrock for the organization’s most progressive chapter yet. By championing access to care as the next frontier in animal welfare, the Halifax Humane Society is ensuring that medical support is readily available to the families who need it most.
Charting the course for this vital mission is a stellar group of advocates and changemakers. On the following pages, meet the exceptional luminaries who are anchoring this year’s Furball and keeping the shelter’s lifesaving mission shining bright.
Fly Me To the Moon with NASA Astronaut Leland Melvin
To celebrate the “Fly Me to the Moon” theme, NASA astronaut Leland Melvin (Ret.) will be the headliner at the December 3rd gala. Who can forget when the former NFL wide receiver returned to earth and was enthusiastically greeted by his two rescue dogs, Jake and Scout.
Melvin is not only an advocate for adopting shelter pets but for his personal story of overcoming challenges. After a career-ending injury, he transitioned to a career in science, joining NASA as an engineer and later becoming an astronaut. He flew on two Space Shuttle Atlantis missions to the International Space Station in 2008 and 2009, contributing to critical research and operations in orbit.
Dedicated to education and advocacy, Melvin served as co-chair of the White House’s Federal Coordination in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Task Force, where he helped develop the nation’s five-year STEM education plan. He was also the United States representative and chair of the International Space Education Board (ISEB), fostering global collaboration in space education.
Melvin continues to be a trailblazer in STEM education, storytelling, and mentorship, inspiring future generations to break barriers and reach for the stars.
A Lifesaving Mission
Under Hawkin’s leadership, the Halifax Humane Society recently announced plans to open AccessVet, the region’s first community veterinary hospital that will provide top-notch care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Research into the primary reasons for a pet being surrendered to a shelter includes financial reasons as well as behavioral issues. The group has implemented formal shelter medicine and behavior programs to create pathways to move animals through the shelter quickly and train pets with the skills needed to stay in their new homes. One of the shelter's critical programs is the "Open Paw" program which teaches leash manners, potty training, and basic cues like “sit.” Dogs are hand-fed three times daily by community volunteers to desensitize them to unfamiliar people. They’re also seeing great success with Open Paw’s Level IV training where approved volunteers sign a shelter dog out for “Dogs Day Out” and take them to a prescribed list of activities such as the beach, shopping, and even Pup Cups at Starbucks. “Keeping families together is often as simple as providing guidance, training, and behavioral support to help pets and their people succeed together. Keeping pets with the families who love them also means providing access to veterinary care when an unexpected expense threatens that bond,” said Hawkins. “AccessVet will provide high-quality veterinary care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. We want to meet families where they are and help them do better with the pets they love. Our philosophy is simple: no judgment, just help. By removing barriers to veterinary care and expanding access to expert training and behavior services, we can help more pets stay healthy, happy, and at home with the people who love them.”
Passing the Baton
Longtime Furball event chairwoman and Halifax Humane Society champion, Nancy Lohman, led the gala for 16 years before stepping down last year after a successful run transforming the event into one of the most impactful philanthropic traditions in the Daytona area. With the launch of the 17th Furball, Halifax Humane Society honors that legacy while looking boldly into the future with the announcement of seven “next gen” philanthropists as co-chairs of the “Fly Me to the Moon” gala. The four families represented have one mission – to lead the community in generosity and spirit to help shape a brighter future for animals for generations.
Spencer Alevisatos and Emma Clark
All Aboard Properties
Spencer Alevisatos and Emma Clark represent a new generation of community leaders dedicated to making Daytona Beach stronger and more vibrant. At All Aboard Properties, Emma works in partnership with her father, Andy Clark, CEO, and serves the firm as COO. The family has long invested in projects and organizations that help the region thrive, including many years of support for Halifax Humane Society. Recognized as the Daytona Beach News-Journal's Young Leader of the Year, Emma continues that tradition of service and civic leadership. Spencer contributes through his work with his family’s business, Jerry’s Jeeps, and as the boys’ and girls’ track and cross-country coach at Seabreeze High School, where he mentors student-athletes. Together, they embody a shared commitment to community, philanthropy, and creating a brighter future for both people and pets.
Emma and Spencer are both originally from Daytona. Emma was born at Halifax Hospital and went to school at Father Lopez and then Stetson University. Spencer is a graduate of Seabreeze and then attended fire academy at Daytona State.
“One of the things we love most about our community is how organizations come together to make a real difference. Halifax Humane Society is a perfect example. They do incredible work caring for animals that can't advocate for themselves. Furball has become such a fun tradition because it brings people together for a great cause while celebrating the impact that animal welfare has on our community.”
When Emma was growing up, the family adopted their cat and two dogs from the Halifax Humane Society. She is thrilled to be able to give back.
Robbie and Ally Coleman
Coleman Goodemote Construction
Robbie and Ally Coleman represent a family whose name is synonymous with community leadership and philanthropy. As Vice President of Coleman Goodemote Construction, Robbie continues the legacy established by his father, Chuck Coleman, whose support of Halifax Humane Society and countless community initiatives has spanned decades. Today, the family’s commitment continues through Coleman Goodemote’s leadership role in creating the new AccessVet Community Animal Hospital, helping expand access to veterinary care for pets and families throughout our region.
Robbie is a 4th generation Daytona resident while Ally was raised in Birmingham, Alabama but has lived in Daytona for over a decade now.
“Nancy Lohman has done such an incredible job promoting this event and making sure it is a premier fundraiser for the Halifax Humane Society, so being asked to be a co-chair was truly an honor, offering us an opportunity to carry on the legacy and continue to move forward the mission of The Halifax Humane Society. This is a great town - we regularly find ourselves looking around and saying, ‘Wow, we are lucky to live here.’ Whether it's going to the beach, a boat cruise, fishing, attending a baseball game, watching the Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway, or jogging the Mutt Strutt, we are just so lucky to call Volusia County and Daytona Beach home. The Halifax Humane Society, and the people who support it, contribute greatly to what makes our home so special. Compassion for animals and love of pets just make us happier. The success, growth, and innovation of the Halifax Humane Society is a testament to the organization’s leadership, the volunteers, donors, staff, and residents of our area. They make our community a better place to work, live, and raise a family. We truly are lucky!”
Kevin and Ashley Lee
Tom Cook Jeweler and Parker Mynchenberg & Associates
Kevin and Ashley Lee are respected business and civic leaders dedicated to strengthening the community they call home. Ashley carries forward her family’s legacy of service through Tom Cook Jeweler, one of Volusia County’s most trusted and community-minded businesses, while Kevin helps shape the region’s future through his leadership at Parker Mynchenberg & Associates. Together, they share a passion for philanthropy, volunteerism, and supporting organizations that improve lives throughout Central Florida.
Ashley is originally from Daytona and was born at Halifax Hospital. She returned to Volusia County after graduating from the University of Florida and the Gemological Institute of America.
“We believe it is important to continue to be involved in the community and support organizations that better serve our area. The Furball brings together community leaders, local businesses, and individuals with a passion to provide care, shelter, and second chances for animals in need.
Brett Serbousek
Ritchey Automotive and Subaru of Daytona
Brett Serbousek proudly carries forward a family tradition of generosity and community engagement established by his father, Ted Serbousek. For decades, Ritchey Automotive and Subaru of Daytona have been one of Halifax Humane Society’s most dedicated corporate partners, supporting pet adoption, animal welfare programs, and lifesaving initiatives. Brett’s leadership reflects Ritchey and Subaru’s commitment to making a positive difference for both pets and people across Volusia County.
Brett is originally from Daytona and attended Mainland High School.
Style Notes
On page 3, Emma is wearing a dress from Windsor and shoes by Jessica Simpson. Her necklace was a gift from her grandmother and is from Tom Cook Jeweler. Her earrings are from Volusia Jeweler and were a gift from Spencer. Her hairstylist is Hayley Cloutier at The Coastal Retreat Salon in New Smyrna Beach. She can be found browsing small boutiques and the Tanger Outlet as well as the antique malls along Beach Street. Spencer’s barber is Brandon Castaldi at the Proper Barber in Ormond Beach.
On page 4, Robbie is wearing a black tuxedo, Eaton Plisse Tuxedo shirt, Canopy Bow Tie by Brackish, and Two-Tone Fishing Reel Cufflinks by Link Up. The tuxedo is from Daytona Tuxedo; tie and cufflinks were a gift from Ally. His barber is Brandon at Proper Barber in Ormond Beach. Robbie can be found shopping at the Salty Dog Surf Shop and spots along Beach Street while Ally can be found browsing Tom Cook Jeweler and the shops at One Daytona.
On page 5, Ashley is wearing a metallic v-neck long sleeve A-line dress by Alex Marie from Dillards. Black strappy heels are by A New Day. All jewelry is from Tom Cook Jeweler. Her hairstylist is Landra at Ideologie Salon in Ormond Beach. She can be found browsing Dillard's in Daytona as well as all the small fashion boutiques in the area.
The photoshoot was led by photographer Greg Hunter of Speedway Custom Photos with art direction by Deb Lovett on location at the Lohman Planetarium on the campus of The Brown, formerly known as the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Many thanks to The Brown's team including Willis Chico, Kelly Clapsaddle, John Alvinez, and Christian Traverson as well as Sean Hawkins and Tamara Hebert of the Halifax Humane Society.
“Strong communities aren't built by one organization. They're built when people and businesses come together to support causes bigger than themselves. We are so thankful to be able to give back to our community and support organizations like Halifax Humane Society.”
Emma Clark and Spencer Alevisatos