Cape Coral Animal Shelter organizers are gearing up for their big fundraiser – the annual Decade Party.

Set for March 9 this year, the costume party will showcase the ’70s and, of course, includes all the fun that has made this a signature event – music, dancing, food and drink, along with raffles, contests and auctions, all under the tents at the Wicked Dolphin Distillery.

Last year the party raised $40,000 for the long-awaited no-kill shelter under construction on a 4.6-acre site near Sun Splash.

This year, the goal is at least 20 percent more, an ambitious leap, but, if past CCAS efforts are any indication, we’ll be surprised if they don’t top it.

Community support for the Cape’s first shelter has been strong and the Decade Party events have been a tail-waggin’ success.

Interested in donning a pair of platforms or a breaking the polyester leisure suit out of mothballs?

Tickets are $100 and available at capecoralanimalshelter.com .

Plans for the CCAS have been under way for more than five years.

With a land-lease from the city and $1.8 million in donations pledged or in hand, the non-profit finally broke ground for its 7,756-square-foot facility last October.

It is expected to open by fall of this year.

The shelter will include an intake area, kennel housing for dogs and cats, a reception and adoption center, medical, animal grooming and feeding areas, a play yard, and a retail sales area for products new pet parents might need after completing the adoption of their new furever friend.

Donations are an ongoing need.

The CCAS is working to develop a $500,000 fund for operational costs once the facility is up and running.

In addition, the organization still is outfitting its clinic space. There is a need for medical equipment, such as exam, X-ray and surgery tables, according to the CCAS website. Donations, and sponsorships, are welcome.

The CCAS is also offering “naming rights” for facility components for those interested in a lasting or legacy donation.

And if you just want to make a small donation?

Absolutely! There are lots of ways to get involved with a handful of events coming up this week and next:

– Pet People, at 2311 Santa Barbara Blvd., is holding its annual Hearts for Paws Fundraiser through Sunday and the Cape Coral Animal Shelter will be the recipient of money raised. Customers can select their donation amount and easily add it to their purchase at the register.

– A Yappy Hour will be held at Fathoms Restaurant & Bar from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22.

Shelter merchandise will be available for sale and a 50/50 raffle will be held during the evening, which will feature live music!

Yappy Hour is an ongoing event held by CCAS the last Friday each month.

-The Kindleigh Foundation will host a Kindness Ball – promoted as an adult prom – from 8-11 p.m. next Friday, Feb. 22, at Crowne Plaza Fort Myers At Bell Tower Shops. There will be an open bar, appetizers and a DJ so you can “dance the night away in your prom-formal best!” Tickets begin at $85 and the CCAS is among the organizations to benefit. Visit eventbrite for ticket options.

For the Cape’s animal lovers, this is a project that has been a long time coming. If you are one of them, you can make a difference – one shelter pet at a time.

-Breeze editorial