HUNTSVILLE – The Dog Ball, one of the area’s most unique, even if tongue-in-cheek, fundraising events, soon will return with a night devoted to man’s best friend.

Complete with a catwalk (uh, make that a ‘runway’) for its stars, The Dog Ball is the major, annual fundraiser for Greater Huntsville Humane Society. The light-hearted event targets a serious cause – needed benefits for the Humane Society’s animal shelter that will help in alleviating expenses associated with care for in-need animals.

The Humane Society operates a no-kill shelter dedicated to the humane care and treatment animals.

During its 30-year legacy, the Dog Ball has evolved to have corporate sponsorship; silent and live auctions, including the chance to bid on Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show tickets; a showcase of VIDs or Very Important Dogs; and “much more tail-wagging fun,” according to the events website, thedogball.org.

Guests at the fancy dress dinner can meet and pet about 50 local dogs in all shapes, sizes and colors, who hail as pure breed or mixed.

Held at the Von Braun Center’s South Hall on Feb. 4, the Dog Ball will open at 5:45 p.m. with cocktail hour and time to socialize with the VIDs. Dinner starts at 7 p.m., and all dogs will trot home around 9:30 p.m.

Merchandise for the auctions will span numerous categories – from fine artwork to tickets to Huntsville Havoc hockey . . . and, of course, those tickets to the 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Individuals who cannot attend still can bid in the silent auction by buying a ticket and receiving automatic registration as a Humane Society supporter.

Organizers have selected the slate of VIDs for 2023. For an early view of these heartwarming dogs, visit thedogball.org/thevid.

For tickets, visit thedogball.com and click the “Buy Tickets” button. Individual tickets cost $125 each.

Promotional tickets range from “Select Dog” at $550 for four guest tickets with favored seating and acknowledgment on The Dog Ball and auction bidding sites to “Grand Champion” at $10,000 for tables of 12 and 8 with prime seating at the runway; digital, printed and spoken comprehensive acknowledgment; and drink tickets and bottles of champagne, red and white wine.