The Chilton County Humane Society raised more than $5,000 at the first “Santa Paws” fundraising event held Dec. 13 at Elizabeth Hall in Clanton.

“We had such a fun time,” Humane Society Board Secretary Katherine Reece said. “This was our first time to do this type of fundraiser, and we weren’t sure how everything was going to turn out, but we were all thrilled with the success and plan to do it again next year.”

The fundraiser invited the public to bring their pets and children to have professional photos taken with Santa.

“We had 32 people bring their pets and children,” Reece said. “We solely had dogs brought in for their pictures with Santa, and they were all very well-behaved. Nobody brought in any cats.”

Savannah Crumpton with Savannah’s Photography volunteered her time to take the photos at the event.

Reece said picture packages were available with Santa starting at $20 for an 8×10 photo.

“Anyone who ordered a print will be able to pick them up Dec. 20 between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the shelter,” she said.

Reece said in addition to the photography fundraiser, there were several other fundraising options at the event.

“We sold an art print created by local artist Diana Hiott who created a limited edition print,” Reece said. “We sold some of the prints at the event, and we are still selling them.”

Reece said there was also an online raffle for one of the prints, which sold for $300.

“Falcon Art Supply in Montevallo donated framing on two of the prints, and one of them we raffled off on an online auction,” Reece said.

Reece said organizers hope to make the event annual.

“We think this could be something we hold every year,” Reece said. “We already started planning for next year, and we think next year we will hold it a little bit earlier in the Christmas season. Overall though, we were very pleased with how everything turned out.”

Currently, the Chilton County Humane Society is in need of cat litter, blankets and towels.

“With it getting cold outside, many of our animals need to be kept warm, so anyone with blankets and towels to donate, we would love,” Reece said.

For more information about the shelter, call (205) 755-9170.

Reece said anyone interested in buying one of Hiott’s art prints for $25 can contact Reece at (205) 294-2197.