NORWICH – The Chenango County SPCA is preparing for one of its largest annual fundraisers, The Valentine Fur Ball, to reel in support for its mission of helping homeless animals in the community.

The Eighth Annual Fur Ball Silent and Live Auction will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. The semi-formal gala includes light gourmet fare, cash bar, commemorative photographs by Gerry Raymonda Photography and the up-beat music of Splash. The night promises to be a good time and judging by the local support borne by the occasion in past years, hopes for this year’s event are high, said CSPCA event coordinator Sue Reymers.

The SPCA is heavily reliant on community support. Donations supply food, vaccinations and the labor needed to provide for sheltered animals. More than 300 people attended last year’s Fur Ball, selling out tickets and contributing nearly $10,000 to support the cause of the SPCA. More than $1,500 was in mail-in donations alone, Reymers said. This year’s goal, she said: To exceed last year’s donations and raise $13,000.