NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY — Tama County Humane Society Board Member Rachel Buchanan, left, and Shelter Director Kayla Kerkove, right, are busy preparing for the upcoming fundraiser and 25th anniversary celebration to be held at the Tama Ballroom on Saturday, May 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tama County

It was a quarter century ago when the Tama County Humane Society first opened its shelter on East 5th Street in Tama, and next Saturday, it will be time to celebrate with a silent auction fundraiser at the Tama Ballroom from 6 to 9 p.m.

Originally known as Have a Heart Rescue, the name has changed since then, and Shelter Director Kayla Kerkove and Board Member Rachel Buchanan are proud to show off all of the hard work they’ve done to find homes for the dogs and cats of Tama County while also raising money to ensure they can continue to do so.

“This is my first (event). I’m a little nervous, but I think it’ll be alright,” Kerkove said.

Pre-registration for the event is not required, and tickets are $20 apiece ($5 for kids). There is no online option to purchase them, but they can be found at the shelter, Town and Country Veterinary Clinic, and at State Bank of Toledo.

Buchanan said attendees will be impressed by the variety of silent auction items, and of course, the number one mission of the shelter is still to encourage adoption — “We’re always at capacity,” as Kerkove put it. Currently, there are 20 dogs and 37 cats living at the shelter.

The shelter is located at 1406 E. 5th St. and can be reached at (641) 481-7001.