Most of the time, the inaugural version of a new fundraising event is a time to work out the kinks in the idea and lay the groundwork for success in the coming years.

Not so for the Suffolk Humane Society’s Paws for the Arts Gala, held earlier this month at the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center on Constance Road. In its first time out of the gate, the event raised an estimated $10,000 for the organization, whose mission is to reduce the number of animals euthanized at the Suffolk Animal Shelter by encouraging adoption and offering pet owners opportunities to have their dogs and cats spayed and neutered.

By all accounts, the event was well conceived and well publicized, and the volunteers who were in charge of putting the plans in action and making sure things went off without a hitch were wildly successful. The event was sold out, with nearly 100 people attending, and organizers found themselves repeatedly adding tables to the setup in advance of the occasion.

Given the level of success they experienced with Paws for the Arts, folks at Suffolk Humane are already looking forward to making the shindig an annual event, adding it to the society’s fundraising mix along with the ever-popular Mutt Strut, an outdoor event that attracts big crowds eager to see the dogs on display and enjoy pet-related contests, games, demonstrations and marketing.

The Humane Society has been a great advocate for companion animals in Suffolk. It is commendable that its members are being creative in their efforts to raise money to support their cause, and the success of their efforts is good news for animals all around the city.