Animal lovers and auction lovers will convene at the Washington Civic Center on Saturday for the Humane Society of Beaufort County’s annual auction.

Featuring both live and silent auctions, the event funds HSBC’s spay and neuter program for Beaufort County animals. In its 21^st year, the auction is the main fundraiser for the organization determined to cut down on the overpopulation of animals, many of which end up as strays in the Betsy Bailey Nelson Animal Control facility, according to local veterinarian and HSBC President Marty Poffenberger.

Many in the community are dedicated to the cause, which is why so many pitch in for the event, she said.

“Everything is donated: the items (for auction), the food,” Poffenberger said, adding that it’s the work of longtime shelter volunteer Margaret Petersen that also draws the auction crowd — through their taste buds.

“I think, obviously, they like the food because the food is good and that’s thanks to Margaret,” Poffenberger laughed.

This year’s bidding will be led by Angie Walker, of Jamesville-based Angela Vail’s Auctions & Appraisals, and will feature items like a flat screen TV, a paddle board, a Christmas tree made of horseshoes, an East Carolina University-decorated rocking chair and a restored vintage gold Omega watch, donated from the estate of former Cypress Landing resident Steve Anastasian.

According to Poffenberger, the bidding is always lively, which is, in itself, its own draw.

“We have the people who do like to bid but also the bidding is entertaining, so they like to watch that,” Poffenberger said. “Our crowd is kind of rowdy.”

One thing, however, unites the people attending the Humane Society’s auction, Poffenberger said: “They’re animal lovers, and they know the money is going to a good cause.”

Last year’s event raised $14,000, used to subsidized the spay/neuter program for adoptable pets from the shelter, as well as for county residents who request financial assistance with the procedure.

Poffenberger said she didn’t know off the top of her head how many animals benefited from the program last year, but that number is unimportant as long as unsprayed/unneutered animals are proliferating in the county.

“The number I’m looking for is the last (unsprayed/unneutered animal) to show up,” Poffenberger said.

Tickets to the HSBC auction are available at the door for $30. Hors d’oeuvres and the silent auction begin at 6 p.m.; the live auction, at 7 p.m.