In support of its mission of advocacy on behalf of companion animals in the city, the Suffolk Humane Society has planned a new fundraising event next month, and it promises to be a great opportunity to support the organization while having a good time.

The Paws for the Arts Gala, scheduled for Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront, will include live and silent auctions for everything from Beatles memorabilia to art from local artists to weekend getaways here in Suffolk and in the Shenandoah Mountains.

Even if you’re not into the auction, there will be plenty to enjoy at the event, as entertainment will be provided by Joleen Neighbours on the keyboard; vocalist Dana Bilby; flutist Deborah Robertson; Jacob Fowler, a cellist with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra; Rachel Dunn, a violinist and concertmaster with the Granby High School Vivace Orchestra and the Bay Youth Orchestra; and Hamed Barbarji, trumpeter and principle trumpet with Lafayette High School and the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra. Heavy hors d’oeuvres also will be available throughout the evening.

For several years, the Humane Society has relied on the annual Mutt Strut as its primary fundraiser, and there are plans for that popular event to continue, but the Paws for the Arts Gala could prove to be an important part of the Humane Society’s fundraising efforts.

Tickets to the semi-formal event are $50 and can be obtained at the Suffolk Humane office or at Mike Duman Auto Sales. For more information, call 538-3030.

If you’ve been looking for a worthy cause to support in Suffolk, you’ll hardly do better than the Suffolk Humane Society. The new Paws for the Arts Gala would be a great way to get involved.