NORWICH – A night of music, mingling, food and fun to benefit the Chenango SPCA is set to be held at 7 p.m., Saturday Feb. 8 at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Valentine Fur Ball, the CSPCA’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The CSPCA is an independent, nonprofit organization with a mission to provide high quality, professional animal sheltering to those in need, and to help animals find their forever homes.

According to Executive Director Annette Clarke, the Fur Ball is a great help for the organization.

“Last year we raised more than $19,000 and our goal this year is $25,000,” said Clarke. “All the money raised goes toward our wonderful programs and for the care and feeding of our companion animals.”

The semi-formal event has sold out each year, said Courtney Sullivan, past president of the organization and current member of the CSPCA Board of Directors. Jim Dunne assumed the role of President of the board on Jan. 1, yet Sullivan said because of her passion for not only the CSPCA and animals in general, she has remained active on the board.

“The money raised stays here in the community to help out our animals,” said Sullivan. She added the organization remains operational because of gracious donations from community members, grants, estates, and fundraisers.

“We rely on our community and our volunteers, and they have been a tremendous asset thus far,” said Sullivan. “Plus, the Fur Ball is a great time.”

The night is slated to be filled with live music, food, and silent and live auctions. There will be a cash bar, and group commemorative photos will be available by Gerry Raymonda Photography of Unadilla.

According to Clarke, there were numerous requests for the band Splash to return for another year of performing at the event.

The menu for the evening includes shaved beef crostini with peppercorn cream sauce, peeled shrimp cocktail, curried vegetable stuffed mushrooms, fishcakes with lemon horseradish sauce, chicken skewers, sweet and sour meatballs, Italian-style meatballs, baked brie with brown sugar and pecans, and assorted vegetables and dips. Clarke added that dessert options include coffee truffle brownies, strawberry white chocolate mousse and peach and berry crumble.

Silent auction items for bid are diverse and include art work, pottery, jewelry, a UP 25 Jawbone sports wristband and an assortment of wines.

We will have a raffle for a ‘Night to Remember’ – a wonderful evening out for dinner for two at the Poolville Country Store, champagne from Denny’s Wine and Liquors, fine chocolates from The Parson's Daughter and roses from Pires Flower Basket,” said Clarke. “There will also be other auction items that help the shelter directly such as the purchase of 25 pounds of food for $40, 200 pounds of kitty litter for $25 and a sponsored adoption fee for either a cat or dog for $100.”

Clarke added that the shelter goes through approximately 40,000 pounds of cat litter per year.

“The Fur Ball really is a good time to get together, have fun, and ask questions,” said Sullivan. “The board will be there, ready to chat and answer any questions attendees may have about how the shelter works, or what we do. We are are on hand to help.”

With nearly 350 people attending the event last year, it is expected the Furball will sell out once again, and it’s suggested those interested purchase a ticket sooner rather than later.

Gratitude was extended to the event’s sponsors which include but are not limited to Staffworks, Pennysaver, The Evening Sun, Preferred Mutual, Rapid Reproductions, Air Temp HVAC, and Burrell Excavating.

A single event ticket is $60, or $100 for a pair. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, Feb. 3. Tickets may be ordered online at chenangospca.org or by calling 334-9724.

Those unable to attend but wish to make a donation to the organization can either call, go online, or visit the CSPCA and make a donation in person. Aside from monetary donations, the shelter is always in need of items such as paper towels, bleach, hand sanitizer, cat toys, kongs for dogs, blankets, towels, and cat litter. A CPSCA ‘wish list’ for items is available to view on its website.

“The Fur Ball is a great time for people to not only help out a community organization that relies on support and generosity to care for animals in need,” said Sullivan, “It is the perfect opportunity to get out and have fun and shake the winter blues.”