Friends of Animals Services holds its 16th annual Black Cat Ball at the Lone Tree Golf Course and Events Center in Antioch on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit the Antioch Animal Shelter.

The ball features hors d’oeuvres, a seasonal buffet, music by the Malcolm Hunter & John Seppala Jazz Duo, dancing, a costume contest (costumes optional) and raffle. The event’s honorary chair is State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. Tickets are $65 for adults and $35 for children under 13.

Under the jurisdiction of the Antioch Police Department, Antioch Animal Services is responsible for the enforcement of local and state laws relating to the care, control and protection of animals and citizens. Officers’ responsibilities include picking up and confining stray, sick, injured, vicious and dead animals; issuance of dog licenses; patrolling the city streets; control of animal nuisance problems and animal euthanasia. The Animal Shelter also provides adoption, volunteer and education programs.

According to Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando, “Attending the Black Cat Ball is a great way for the community to support the Antioch Animal Shelter. Working together with Friends of Animal Services, and through the generosity of the public, our staff are able to deliver more services to the increasing number of animals in our community who need help.”

Residents not able to attend the ball can help support the shelter through financial contributions, raffle prizes and sponsorship. According to Barbara Sobalvarro, president and founder of Friends of Animal Services, “Not only are donations tax deductible, but the bulk of the money we receive from the public is directly used to help our precious shelter animals by paying spay/neuter costs, facilitating responsible adoption of animals, celebrating well planned community-awareness events and for special medical treatments.”

For more information or to purchase tickets to the 2011 Black Cat Ball, call Friends of Animal Services at 925-431-8318, visit www.friendsofanimalservices.org or send a check to P.O. Box 1242, Antioch, CA 94509.