Claws for Paws had a great turnout Saturday at the Cowlitz County Event Center.

Darby Knox, the Vice President of Development and Community Engagement with the Humane Society of Southwest Washington, said that they are still tallying the total amount raised but estimate it was around $220,000, which was their goal.

One hundred percent of the money raised at the event stays at the Longview Humane Society shelter to benefit local homeless dogs/cats and pets in low-income homes. Claws for Paws is an annual event that includes a dinner and auction to raise funds.

The night featured an especially touching moment with the very last auction item, a custom pet portrait to be painted by local Longview artist Joe Fisher. It was auctioned off for $4,200. Joe was in the crowd and offered to do two pet portraits—one for each of the bidders who were competing. Joe was overcome with emotion during the long cheer from the crowd for his generous offer and for how much the custom portraits sold for.