Students for Animal Protection will host a charity ball benefiting the Natchitoches Humane Society, hoping to help the organization care for rescue animals.

SAP member Sage Leffew hopes the event raises awareness of the amount of animals in Natchitoches that need not only homes but veterinary treatment.

“We are not only getting the community involved, but students of NSU and all of campus to interact with each other,” she said.

The Feb. 7 formal event begins at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. Tickets cost $10 for NSU and LSMSA students and $20 for others. Food will be provided, and guests can win door prizes or participate in raffles for gift cards and gift baskets.

“It’s just something different and fun that you don’t see around campus often,” said Haley Tucker, SAP president. “I figured that it would be a good way to get people reeled in to donate to the Humane Society and be aware of things that are going on in Natchitoches.”

The Natchitoches Humane Society works to get animals out of unhealthy and unsafe situations. This event aims to help fund the organization’s efforts to save local “fur angels,” a moniker often used by NHS President Juanita Murphy.

“We are all they have,” she said. “There’s nobody out there except for us.”

City Mayor Lee Posey and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones will speak at the ball.

“We wanted the mayor of Natchitoches and the sheriff to come because they deal with the same problems,” Murphy said, adding that both of these men have dealt with animal control and safety in the community.

Another upcoming NHS event is the Krewe of Wag-uns parade, starting Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. Children and pets will dress up to celebrate Mardi Gras and parade in the streets.

For more information on either event, visit the Natchitoches Humane Society Facebook page.

Note to designer: create an event box on the page.

Mardi Paws Ball

Feb. 7, 7-10 p.m.

Student Union Ballroom