FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC!) is planning its primary annual fundraiser to be held Nov. 20, from 6-9 p.m., at the Fairhope Civic Center.

The 15th annual Christmas By the Bay is a benefit for homeless, abused and injured animals.

Baldwin County’s finest restaurants will serve drinks and gourmet hors d’oeuvres; the Dr. Jazz Normand Combo will provide the music.

The evening also features a silent auction and multimedia presentation.

Silent Auction Chairpersons Nancy Marr and Sue Caudill have been collaborating with the BARC! board of directors to make the event spectacular.

Marr commented, “The local businesses have been extremely cooperative in donating items. Major items include a condo stay at Turquoise Place in Orange Beach, golf options and jewelry.”

Tickets to the benefit are $50 per person, and are tax-deductible. You can buy tickets through PayPal at www.baldwinhumane.org, or by calling the BARC! volunteer desk at (251) 928-4584, Ext. 100.

Invite a friend — or a dozen. When it comes to helping animals, the more the merrier.

Consider making Christmas by the Bay a holiday outing for your book club, supper club or other group.

Sponsorships range from $300 BARC! Supporter (underwrites the cost of making one animal adoptable) to $5,000 Friend for Life (provides medical care and boarding for 25 homeless animals.)

If you can’t attend, consider making a donation of $25, $50, $100 or more. Proceeds go to providing lost-cost spay and neuter programs to reduce unwanted pet populations, underwriting medicals costs for injured animals and finding homes for abandoned pets or pets that must be surrendered by military personnel or the elderly.

BARC! is a 501(c3) agency established in 1979. Its the only animal welfare organization serving all of Baldwin County.

They are volunteer driven, and rely solely on donations and grants to provide many services.