Even man's best friend needs a helping paw now and then.
The ninth annual Fur Ball to benefit the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley is set to take place Saturday at the American Legion Post 159 in Williamstown, beginning at 8 p.m.
Each year the annual event brings in thousands of dollars to help the shelter care for the animals housed there.
"This is the Humane Society's largest fundraiser of the year. We invite everybody to come out, support the Humane Society and enjoy themselves," said volunteer Juanita Becker.
Last year the Fur Ball raised $12,000 for the society. In the two years prior to that a combined $21,000 was raised through the event, and there was also an anonymous donation of $30,000 made in 2010 during the event.
"All the proceeds go to us. Nobody takes a cut or anything like that. One hundred percent of it goes right back into the shelter," said Steve Herron, manager of the Marietta shelter.
Proceeds from the annual event are put into the shelter's general fund, which supports the day-to-day operations of the shelter, as well as the medical fund.
The medical fund is used to enable the shelter to treat any injured or sick animals that may be brought to the humane society.
Admission into the annual ball is $10 per person. A 50/50, raffle tickets and silent auction will also be used to generate funds during the event.
Among the items available in the raffle are a muzzle loader or $300 cash for the non-hunter, an 18-inch Stihl chain saw, a seven cubic foot freezer, a wheelbarrow full of liquor and a $100 gas card for use at Byers Exxon.
Ticket holders must be present to win, Becker said.
Music will be provided by the band Loose as it Gets, a popular local band.
"It's basically just a nice big party where everybody can get together and have some fun," Herron said.
This year's theme is Mardi Gras, and some of the items available through the silent auction definitely could make one merry.
A trip to Amelia Island, located just north of Jacksonville, Fla., is on the list of available items as is a quilt donated by Woolen Willow in Williamstown.
A gift certificate tree with certificates from Marietta vendors as well as an instant lottery tree are also on tap.
"We thank everybody that donates to us for our silent auctions," Herron said.
Each item sold helps fund the shelter in its daily efforts to help animals, with about 90 animals at the shelter this week.
Spring is around the corner, meaning an influx of puppies and kittens will likely be on their way to the shelter.
"The homeless pets are everyone's problem. Please spay and neuter your pet," Becker said.
If you go
What: Ninth annual Fur Ball Dance and Fundraiser.
Where: American Legion Post 159, Williamstown, W.Va.
When: Saturday beginning at 8 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person.
Activities include music by Loose As It Gets, silent auction, raffle.
Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley.
