Hootie & The Blowfish will headline The Animal Mission’s Party Animals 2005 Concert and Silent Auction. The Animal Mission, a non–profit support group for The Columbia Animal Shelter, will hold its sixth annual Party Animals concert and silent auction on Friday, March 4 at 6:30 pm.

The event, which will be held at the Clarion Town House Hotel on Gervais Street, will feature music by Hootie & The Blowfish, Jim “Soni” Sonefeld and Friends, and the Celebration Gospel Ensemble. A silent auction will begin at 6:30 pm and will feature athletic, culinary, artistic, luxury, and practical items, as well as pet–related gifts. The concert, which begins at 8 pm, will feature an a cappella performance by Celebration Gospel Ensemble, a set by Hootie & The Blowfish, and a little jamming by Soni and some of his friends.

Catch a sneak preview of Hootie & The Blowfish’s new album, recently recorded in Nashville. Party–goers will also be invited to purchase memorial bricks for The Animal Mission’s Paw Path, which will be installed in Rosewood’s network of parks. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

“We’re so thankful that the Midlands community has embraced our mission to not only provide a safe place for our animals, but to also teach respect for them,” commented Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, President of The Animal Mission. “The generous support provided through the Party Animals event allows us to enhance our programs and services year after year.” Tickets for “Party Animals” 2005 are $40 per person and can be purchased at the Clarion Town House Hotel at 1516 Gervais Street or directly from the City of Columbia Animal Shelter off Shop Road at 127 Humane Lane. For directions, call 776–PETS.

The Animal Mission was founded to provide refuge for lost, unwanted, or mistreated pets and animals, to promote pet adoptions at the City of Columbia Animal Shelter, to enhance conditions and outcomes for shelter–bound animals, and to educate people on pet issues and humane treatment of animals. The Animal Mission also provides a barnyard of farm animals in order for children to learn more about this growing animal population, and pet therapy for children and adults who are mentally and physically challenged and who are comforted by the presence of animals. For more information, call 776–PETS or visit animalmission.org. What: Party Animals 2005 Concert and Silent Auction

Benefits:

The Animal Mission

Where: Clarion Town House Hotel 1516 Gervais Street

Tickets: $40 per person can be purchased at the Clarion Town House Hotel or from the City of Columbia Animal Shelter off Shop Road at 127 Humane Lane

Call 776–PETS