The 17th annual Chenango SPCA Fur Ball fundraiser will return on Saturday, February 11 at 7 p.m. at the Canasawacta Country Club. The Valentine's Day-themed event will feature music, drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction, and all proceeds will benefit the Chenango SPCA and the animals in their care. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — Support the Chenango SPCA this Saturday by attending the 17th annual Fur Ball fundraiser, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Canasawacta Country Club, located at 261 County Road 44 in Norwich.

The Valentine's Day-themed event 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.

There will also 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 still available for $45 a person online at ChenangoSPCA.org or by calling the shelter at 607-334-9724. Additionally, tickets will be available at the door the night of the event.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to benefit the 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."

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."

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, or buy them at the door the night of the event.