The Mower County Humane Society will once again hold its annual Pasta Dinner and Live and Silent Auction, beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center.

The goal for this fundraiser is $15,000. It is one of three major fundraising efforts mounted through the year, whose proceeds provide operational funds for the shelter. Total cost to operate in 2016 topped $140,000. Over 50 volunteers worked at the society, including shelter volunteers, National Honor Society students and Ellis MIddle School Student Council members.

The shelter, said volunteer Anette Mueller, depends on fundraisers, grants and private donations to operate.

Last year, there were almost 300 adoptions through the society; 59 percent, or 172, dogs and cats were rescued from the city pound before they were euthanized.

“We are looking at this as the community coming together for the benefit of the Humane Society,” said Mueller.

The meal will be served from 4 to 7 p.m., with the live auction beginning at 5:30 p.m. Among the live auction items are a self-propelled Craftsman lawnmower, kayak, a 50-inch television, Coach purse, Minnesota Vikings autographed memorabilia, a Minnesota Twins autographed memorabilia, a resort stay and mens’ and womens’ bicycles.

Silent auction items include antiques, collectibles, themed gift baskets, gift certificates, art work, jewelry, pet items and more. VISA and Mastercard will be accepted.

Tickets, available through Friday, Feb. 24, may be purchased at MCHS, Holiday Inn and Double K Specialty. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children under 8 years; at the door, cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children under 8 years.

Shelter rundown

•Shelter is run only by volunteers.

•Receives no funding from any public agency.

•Is not affiliated with ASPCA or the Humane Society of America.

•Fundraisers, grants and donations are only source of income.

•Three fundraisers run annually are the pasta dinner, rummage sale in June, and Walk For Animals in September.

• Average adoptions cost $492.37; the largest expense is veterinary costs, which totaled $26,812 in 2016, or $91.82 per animal.

• In 2016, 138 dogs and 154 cats ware adopted; currently, there are 20 dogs and 150 cats at the shelter.

• Adoption fees are $50 for a cat and $125 for a dog; each animal has vaccinations and has been spayed or neutered prior to adoption.

• Shelter hours are 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays; and 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The shelter is located at 101 22nd St. SE