It will be a purrfect pawty at the Hilton Garden Inn on Feb. 1 when the Suffolk Humane Society hosts its first ever semi-formal gala to support the plight of homeless animals in Suffolk.

“There’s just such a great need, and we have a lot of programs,” said Kay Hurley, director of community outreach for the humane society. “We want to add more programs and expand the ones we have. We receive no funds from any agency, including the city, so we’ve added this to hopefully take another creative approach to fundraising.”

“Paws for the Arts” will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and silent and live auctions. Attractions in the auctions will include memorabilia from The Beatles’ appearance at the original Norva in Norfolk, a week’s stay at a beach cottage in Nags Head, plenty of work by local artists, tickets to local theater and sporting events and more.

“There are a lot of collectibles that will be of interest to people,” Hurley said. “We’re still looking for more things if somebody has something they’d like to donate to help us raise money. The animals can’t ask, so that’s why we have to do it. We’re really grateful for the people who have sponsored and donated their treasures to help the animals in the community.”

The group is still in need of sponsors as well as donors, Hurley said.

“The Paws for the Arts Gala is a great way to bring two passionate groups of the community together — animal lovers and art enthusiasts,” said Rhonda Jones, director of events for Suffolk Humane Society. “This is a wonderful way to make original art of all kinds available to the community and at the same time benefit Suffolk Humane Society’s efforts to help the community.”

The organization hopes to make it an annual event, Hurley said.

Tickets are on sale now for $50 each. They can be purchased at the Suffolk Humane Society office, 4300 Nansemond Parkway; Mike Duman Auto Sales, 2300 Godwin Blvd.; or online at www.suffolkhumanesociety.com. For information on sponsoring or purchasing advertising in the event’s program, email events@suffolkhumanesociety.com or call 538-3030.