Miss Mississippi Laura Lee Lewis wouldn’t have her cat Jimmy if it wasn’t for the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League.

Lewis will be the featured guest at the 13th annual BARL celebrity dinner and auction, set for  Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Civic Center.

“Thanks to BARL, my cat Jimmy has been a part of our family for several years, and he brings us a lot of joy,” Lewis said. “I have volunteered for BARL since I was a little girl and have always appreciated the selfless devotion they give to the precious animals that they rescue and care for. I am so excited and honored this year to support this organization that is so near to my heart.”

Advanced tickets are $25 and must be pre-purchased due to limited seating.  Tickets are available by contacting BARL volunteer, Julie Montalvo, at 601-757-1057 or emailing info@barl.net.  Celebrity waiters and BARL board members are also selling tickets.

“It’s really exciting having Laura Lee join us this year. We’re honored to have her include this BARL event in her busy schedule as she travels around Mississippi,” BARL president Lu Becker said.  

Celebrity waiters, who are area merchants and community leaders, will have their tables decorated in a theme to match their costumes, and each table will have a tip jar waiting to be filled with money from guests, Becker said.

While guests dine at the buffet, a professional auctioneer will lead the live auction.  A silent auction also takes place throughout the evening.  

BARL volunteers are currently recruiting waiters, securing sponsors and speaking with businesses about auction items. 

Best in Show sponsors committed to date include C Spire and Franklin Telephone Company. 

Pick of the Litter sponsors signed up are Don and Becky Doty, Franklin Memorial Hospital, McGehee McGehee and Torrey, Lincoln Civic Center and Pike National Bank. 

Volunteers are needed to help with this fundraiser, both pre-event and during the event, Becker said.  To volunteer, call or text Becker at 601-754-2000 or email BARL at info@barl.net.

BARL volunteers are also selling raffle tickets for $150 worth of gas from 84 Chevron. Winners do not need to be present at the dinner to win.

BARL’s mission is to humanely care for shelter animals while contributing to community activities that reduce pet overpopulation, encourage responsible pet ownership, protect public health and safety, and promote the human-animal bond.