For Fashion and Fido: Safe Haven Humane Society and Mercy House International aim to raise funds for their causes

Two popular local charities are holding benefit dinners with the hopes of raising awareness through a fun night on the town.

Mercy House International, an organization primarily funded by the profits from 1st Hand Seconds, will hold its fifth annual fashion show, which is an essential annual fundraiser for the charity. The event will take place on Feb. 3, at 5:00 p.m. and will be held at the Grace Point Church of the Nazarene in Albany, Ore. The main event is a fashion show highlighting designs from the boutique, along with a catered dinner and auction

“This is not just an event for women,” said Mercy House founder Deborah Boulanger. “We’re also showing off menswear thanks to Mr. Formal and there’s lots of items to be auctioned off.”

Tickets are going fast for their fifth fashion show, the prices are: $30 for one or $50 for two, and can be purchased at 1st Hand Seconds on 1st Street in Albany. You can also order them by calling (541)-928-6909.

Likewise, the popular no-kill shelter SafeHaven Humane Society is having The Pawscar Awards  on Feb. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Linn County Fair and Expo. The main star of the night is the pets; SafeHaven is honoring pets and humans alike that have achieved their mission statement’s goal: “Finding homes, Opening hearts and Educating minds to strengthen and improve the lives of animals and people.”

The event will also include a “spay-ghetti” dinner and dessert auction. If you’d like to nominate your pup for the award, you are welcome to stop by the shelter or visit their website, “safehavenhumane.org” to fill out a nomination form.

If you’d like to attend, tickets are $30 each and kids 12 and under are free. They can be purchased on the SafeHaven website, or at the adoption center.

Story by Morgan Connelly