HURRICANE -- Break out the lint roller and clean the pet hair off your tuxedo -- plans are underway for the 2010 Fur Ball.

The black-tie fundraiser for the Putnam Animal Relief Center Fund is planned for 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at The First State Bank's new location in Hurricane. A variety of special guests and dignitaries, including West Virginia's First Lady Gayle Manchin, have been invited to participate.

Money raised at the event will help to construct a larger, more modern animal shelter in Putnam County.

"We are very excited about the outlook for next year's event and particularly appreciate the support The First State Bank has afforded by allowing the 2010 Fur Ball to be hosted in such a beautiful, new venue," Jeffrey M. Barnes, chairman of the Putnam Animal Relief Center Fund, said in a press release. "Last year we planned for 100 guests, and more than 140 turned out. This event becomes more popular each year, and nearly everyone who attends says it is the must-attend event of the year in Putnam County."

The evening will include fine food, refreshments and dancing to the Sinatra-style sounds of John-Eric Booth and Charleston-based soul performer Lady D.

"John-Eric Booth does a wonderful job of entertaining, and we believe adding Lady D to the lineup as a powerful female rhythm and blues soloist will take this event to yet another level of excitement," Barnes said in the release.

Lady D has performed throughout the region and was honored last year for composing the best inaugural song with a guest performance in Washington, D.C., at President Obama's inaugural ball.

To date, the Putnam Animal Relief Center Fund has raised $100,000 toward the estimated $500,000 needed to build a new facility. Property for the location has been obtained, and the organization is working to acquire the remaining $400,000 needed for construction.

Barnes said some people who attended past Fur Balls have said they plan to purchase tickets to the 2010 event and give them as Christmas gifts.

"The best part is that it gives back to the displaced animals within our county. What could be a better gift?" he said.

Barnes is now taking requests for corporate sponsorships; he anticipates ticket sales to begin by Dec. 1. For more information about becoming a corporate sponsor, call him at 304-757-5700 or e-mail jbarnes@jbarnes.com.

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