MADISON – Fifty ‘Very Important Dogs’ or VIDs will sashay on “Bark Avenue” for the 31st annual “Dog Ball” to benefit the Greater Huntsville Humane Society.

Dog Ball is the largest fundraiser of the year for the humane society, which supports shelters across North Alabama. The upbeat event on Feb. 8 at the Von Braun Center South Hall will open at 5:45 p.m. with a social hour.

The VIDs have lived across Huntsville and Madison County. Some, searching for their ‘furever’ home, will be available for adoption, Katie Williams said. Williams is serving as public relations committee co-chair of the 2020 Dog Ball.

“Every dog has a unique story, which is shared as they each take to the runway to strut their stuff,” Williams said. “If your dog is a VID that deserves a stroll down the red carpet, make sure to get your spot reserved today as VID spots are limited.”

During social hour, guests can bid on silent auction merchandise, meet the dogs and enjoy the company of friends from across North Alabama, Williams said. The 2020 silent auction includes many dog-related items, fine jewelry, local art, trips, animal portraits, veterinary services and more.

During a live auction, guests can win tickets to the 2020 Westminster Dog Show and a VISA card for trip expenses. A sit-down dinner and the VID runway presentation will close the evening.

“The Dog Ball helps provide critical funding that enables the humane society to offer such programs and services as healthcare and food to low-income households, humane education and outreach, and a safe place for homeless pets to find their forever homes,” humane society CEO Anne Caldwell said.

“This fun-filled, elegant evening is consistently our largest fundraiser — even after all these years,” Caldwell said.

Individual and group tickets are available, along with sponsorship opportunities and reserved tables. All proceeds will benefit the humane society’s mission to further the humane care and treatment of animals and provide adoption services for unwanted and homeless animals.

“Remember, Dog Ball typically is a sold-out event so make plans now to attend,” Morgan said.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call 256-881-8081 or visit thedogball.org. For tickets, visit thedogball.org and click “Purchase.”