The Pacific Cove Humane Society will host “The Bite of the Bay,” fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. tonight, at The Mill Casino-Hotel, 3201 Tremont Ave., in North Bend.

South Coast chefs will be serving up specialties and regional wineries will have samples available for participants to enjoy. Local merchants and supporters have donated items and gift certificates to the silent auction, including lodging, artwork, fine wines, gift baskets and more. Auctioneer Shirley Gillham will orchestrate the bidding and rock and roll band The Exceler8rs will provide live music.

Among the eateries that will participate are Black Market Gourmet, Ciccarelli’s, Hilltop House, LaCosta, Lori’s Goodies to Go, Oregon Steakhouse, Pah Tong Thai Cafe, Ric’s Posto Bella and The Mill Casino-Hotel.

Wineries participating will include Chateau Lorane, Wild Rose Vineyard in Dillard and Old Coyote Winery in Myrtle Point.

Local artist Nan Forsberg-Hammons has created a memorable work of art for the first collectible “Bite of the Bay” poster, featuring cats wearing pearls and lace while dining with a pair of debonair dogs, a press release said. Limited prints of the poster will be available for $20 at the fundraiser and Huggins Insurance, 445 Elrod Ave., in Coos Bay, before the event. The artist will be on hand at the event to autograph prints.

The annual fundraiser is part of Pacific Cove’s continued mission to  raise money for the construction of a new animal shelter, which could increase the sheltering capacity of animals in our area and provide animal welfare services, said organization President Janet Huggins.

Tickets cost $30 and are available at The World, Huggins Insurance, The Art Connection, Reese Electric (both in North Bend and Bandon) and at the door.