The Mower County Humane Society’s annual Pasta Dinner fundraiser raised about $17,500 on Sunday.

“It was awesome,” President Peggy Olson said.

The humane society’s total was up from last year, when the event raised more than $13,000, which included the dinner and the traditional silent and live auctions.

More than 300 people attended the dinner, and Olson was pleased with the community support.

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and it’s vitally important for us,” she said.

Since the humane society is a volunteer organization, it does not receive money from the Humane Society of the United States or ASPCA, which means it relies solely on donations.

The shelter, located at 101 22nd St. SE, has more than 130 cats and more than 30 dogs at the moment, according to Olson. The society has more animals waiting at the Austin Vet Clinic once adoptions pick up. This fundraiser not only helped raise funds for the shelter, but it also helped get the word out for animal adoptions.

“I think it was a really fun event,” Olson said. “It seemed like everybody was having a great time, and we had some great items from the local businesses and we really appreciate their support too.”