Its full proper name is the Almost Home Humane Society of North Central Iowa, and it offers shelter, food and veterinary care for pets.

Soon, area residents will be able to support that mission during a fun night on the town featuring food, live music and many auction items to bid on.

That event is the 16th annual Fur Ball to be held April 18 at the Laramar Ballroom,

710 First Ave. N. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Admission is $20 per person in advance

and $25 at the door.

“The furry friends, staff and board of director of Almost Home would like to invite you all to our upcoming Fur Ball on April 18 to help support our no-kill animal shelter and our mission of being ‘Almost Home’ until our pets find their forever home,” said Rhonda Fitchett Haas, chairwoman of the Almost Home board.

She said that in 2025, 205 pets were adopted from the shelter.

Also that year, 206 animals were taken into the shelter, and thus avoided a life as a stray on the streets.

The shelter at 725 S. 32nd St. does not receive any tax money.

That’s why the Fur Ball is key to the shelter’s finances, according to Letitia Anderson, a member of the Almost Home board.

“This annual event is so important to our shelter, as we are solely funded by donations and fundraising events,” she said. “Every donation, large or small, is vital to providing care for animals in our area until they find their forever homes. The Fur Ball is an opportunity to come together and share in our mission.”

Tickets to the Fur Ball can be purchased in advance at the shelter and at

Hy-Vee, 115 S. 29th St.

The meal will consist of pulled pork sandwiches and sides prepared and served by members of the Moose Club.

Singer Maurice Jules will perform throughout the evening.

Keith Denckalu will call the live auction, and many other items will be available during a silent auction.

The 16th annual Fur Ball is sponsored by Nestle Purina PetCare, Elanco, Gold Bond Building Products, White Oak Dental, Johnson Appraisal, Stump’s Snow and Mow, LMA Investments, Tjaden Electric, Ball Plumbing,

The better Way project, Steve and Nancy Conrad, Furever Friends, Laufersweiler Funeral Home and

Dr. Jim and Ann Meyer.