The Chenango SPCA Fur Ball fundraiser is back after a two-year hiatus. The event will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 at the Canasawacta Country Club. (Photo by Dustin Genter of 5th Dimension Photography)

NORWICH — The Chenango SPCA is bringing back their Fur Ball fundraiser for its 17th year after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The semi-formal event will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 at the Canasawacta Country Club, located at 261 County Road 44 in Norwich.

The fundraiser has a Valentine's Day theme this year, and will begin with a cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres at 7 p.m. Live music by Grady Thompson will be from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by Crushing Midnight from 8 to 11 p.m.

"We are going to have a complimentary glass of champagne, because who doesn’t want that when they come? And we’ll have some acoustic music in the beginning with a couple appetizers, and then we’ll open up the ballroom. We’ll have live music, some heartier appetizers, stuff like that. Just a fun time," said Chenango SPCA Fundraising Committee Member Brianna Curley.

Additionally, there will be a silent auction full of items donated by local businesses. Raffle items include gift baskets, bundles of animal-themed goodies, gift certificates to local restaurants, and more.

Tickets are $45 per person, and will be available at the door the night of the event. However, to secure a ticket, Curley recommends purchasing a ticket during the presale, which is going on now. Presale tickets can be purchased online at ChenangoSPCA.org, or by calling the shelter at 607-334-9724.

All proceeds from the event will go to benefit this Chenango SPCA, which costs approximately $370,000 a year to operate and receives no government funding.

"We are a no-kill shelter, and something a lot of people may not realize is that it’s not government funded being an animal shelter, so we have to raise the funds through fundraisers like this, apply to grants, stuff like that," Curley explained. "So events like this are really important, but we also just want to try to make it a fun time for people to get out for Valentine’s Day, and out in the community. It’s been awhile since we’ve done it because of COVID, so just trying to come back with a bang, make it super fun and hopefully make people want to attend."

Before the pandemic put the event on hold for 2021 and 2022, Curley said the Fur Ball was a long-standing community event that had been a hosted by the SPCA for 16 years.s

The fundraiser not only helps support the Chenango SPCA and the animals in their care, but also gives area residents a fun reason to dress up and have a good time, all while supporting a good cause.

"If you come and you're not in semi-formal attire we’re not going to kick you out, but I think it’s just something fun to do," said Curley. "There aren’t a lot of other events in Norwich this time of year that you can dress up and go out and have drinks, and dance and hang out with your friends. So again, just trying to make it fun, something different to do this time of year when there’s not a ton to do."

"[We're] really trying to make it fun again, bring it back, come back with a bang."

The 17th annual Fur Ball is sponsored by Oliver's Campers, Mirabito-Gresham, Blue Ox, Ameriprise Financial, Chenango Eye Associates, McCredy Motors, North Norwich Motors, and several local businesses.

More information on the Chenango SPCA can be found at ChenangoSPCA.org or on the Chenango SPCA Facebook page.

To purchase tickets to the Fur Ball, visit ChenangoSPCA.org or call the shelter at 607-334-9724.