Attendees are encouraged to dress casually in their favorite team attire and enjoy gumbo and dessert provided by the Charleston Bistro, said board president Robin Anderson. She said the group has lined up about 30 live auction items and 70 silent auction items.

Among them are a pool set, home security system, LSU gear, jewelry, cat supplies, Craftsman tools and handmade pottery. Anderson said many food packages are also available, such as a yearlong supply of free family-size chicken dinners once a month from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

“There’s something for everyone,” she said. “It really is fun.”

The auction is Hobo Hotel’s largest fundraiser, Anderson said, covering about 20 percent of the shelter’s operating costs each year.

Hobo Hotel started in 1999 with a handful of local volunteers before incorporating as a nonprofit in 2006. Since records began in 2002, the local shelter has found homes for over 3,300 stray cats and has spayed and neutered about 5,700, Anderson said.

“We really believe we’ve made a positive impact on the community,” she said.

She said Hobo Hotel is almost always full. The care center now houses about 80 stray cats and about two dozen more are split between foster care, Petco and PetSmart, she said.

The shelter does not take in feral cats — which aren’t accustomed to human interaction and aren’t considered adoptable — but will trap, neuter and release them to curb population growth, Anderson said.

She said Hobo Hotel’s primary goal, however, is finding a good home for strays.

“It’s heartbreaking because these kitties really need and want a good, loving home,” Anderson said.

She said the group’s dream is “to be put out of business” because there aren’t any stray cats on the streets.

The shelter charges an adoption fee of $100 to cover the cost of shots, spaying and neutering, a medical exam and a microchip — much less than a veterinarian would charge, Anderson said.

She said Hobo Hotel always needs more volunteers, money and supplies and encouraged people to get involved in any way they can.

The organization has about 50 volunteers and a handful of paid cleaners. Money raised at the auction will go toward maintenance and veterinary care.

“All of the money donated stays right here,” Anderson said.

Tickets cost $25 and include food. They’re available at hobohotelforcats.com or at the shelter, 650 E. School St.

For more information or to make a donation, call the shelter’s message system at 439-2428 or email hobo.hotel@bellsouth.net. All donations are tax deductible.

The center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 2-5 p.m. Saturdays.