Catoosa Citizens for Animal Care will hold an auction at the Ringgold Depot on Sept. 17 from 6-9 p.m. The auction is to raise money for the group’s spay and neuter program, which has the goal of reducing animal overpopulation.

CCAC, a non-profit organization, works with local veterinarians to pay half the surgery costs for pets whose owners could not otherwise afford the procedure.

Other missions of the group include educating the community about the humane treatment of animals through its education program in county schools. The group also helps connect animals in need of homes with families wanting to adopt.

The auction, titled “The Paw Bash Cannonball Express,” will be the group’s first auction.

“We hope to continue (the auction) as an annual event,” CCAC secretary Sara DeBerry said.

Misty Childers, who has been with the group since April, came up with the idea for the auction. She said the auction was equally important to fundraising as well as community awareness.

“We’d like to grow and become a stronger presence in the community.”

Childers said reading stories about the plight of animals during the sloping economy was another factor.

“I knew that due to the economy, many people were having trouble taking care of their animals the way they should,” Childers said.

DeBerry said the majority of the group’s funding comes from membership fees and its annual “Adventures in Dining” book sale, but CCAC has received some donations. For example, this year the group received a $2,925 grant from the Greg Biffle Foundation.

“We try to make the best use of the money we get,” DeBerry said.

Items to be auctioned include golf packages at Battlefield and Windstone golf courses, Persian rug, mountain bike, cigars, spa packages, art work, and pet items.

“There’s something for everyone,” DeBerry said.

Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and entertainment will be provided by the Hicks Family, which performs country and southern rock music.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and will go on sale beginning Aug. 10.

The group is largely supported by Ringgold Telephone Co.