Walk through the doors of the Columbia Animal Shelter, and you'll be met by purring, furry friends looking for their forever homes. You can help support the mission of the shelter by attending a gift card bingo event. It will be held on Friday, Oct. 18, at Hambones Social Club, 726 Manor St., Columbia. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., and bingo will begin at 6:30 p.m.

"There will be 20 games of bingo and one jackpot at the end of the night," explained Tammy L. Jalbert, executive director of the shelter. "The prizes for the bingo will all be gift cards from a variety of locations like Texas Roadhouse, Giant, Weis, McDonald's, Royal Farms, Turkey Hill and Rutter's, just to name a few."

Along with bingo games, the fundraiser will feature food for purchase. "We will have chicken corn noodle soup, chili and walking tacos, as well as drinks," Jalbert shared.

Proceeds from the event will support the work of the animal shelter, which serves as a temporary home for cats and dogs. "All proceeds from this event will go towards the rising costs for medication, veterinary equipment, food and other essential supplies to continue our work and expand affordable veterinary care," Jalbert commented. "We are always looking for ways that we can help offset the costs incurred at the shelter while having a good time and providing something of value to people who come out and support us through our events."

Opened in 2019, the Columbia Animal Shelter was established in memory of Judy McKonly, a Columbia resident who dreamed of establishing the best shelter for cats in the country. After McKonly's death, family members purchased a former fire hall and repurposed the building to house the shelter. The shelter offers adoptions as well as a low-cost wellness clinic that provides spay and neuter services among other health services. The shelter also emphasizes education and provides programming and resources for new pet owners.

Jalbert hopes people will come out to the bingo, a new event for the shelter.

"People can expect to have a great time with door prizes, (giveaway) baskets, 20 games of bingo with an awesome jackpot," she said. "We will have great food and drinks available to purchase. It promises to be an awesome evening."

To purchase tickets for bingo, stop by the shelter, 265 S. 10th St., Columbia, or visit http://www.eventbrite.com and search for "Columbia Animal Shelter Gift Card Bingo."