The Humane Society of Griffin-Spalding County is hosting its 10th annual Chili Cook-off fund-raiser Saturday morning at the Pavillion on Aerodrome Way.

Debbie Yelvington said all the money raised will be used locally to support the work of the Humane Society — a workload that is particularly heavy now.

“We are a nonprofit and all of us are volunteers — none of us get paid,” she said. “When an animal comes to the Humane Society, we do everything we are suppose to do for it. I use vets all over town and my vet bills run $1,000 to $2,000 each month.”

According to Yelvington, that includes care provided for dogs and cats that have been injured, are strays or have been abandoned.

“With the economy down, we are in a really hard place right now. All of our foster homes are full and adoptions are down,” she said. “The whole reason for us being here is the lack of spaying and neutering. We feel very strongly that this is the answer to the problem.”

Therefore, proceeds from Saturday’s event will also be used for that purpose.

“All of the animals that come in to the Humane Society are spayed or neutered. That helps to reduce the animal population and future unwanted animals,” Yelvington said.

The cook-off is slated to have 25 teams competing for bragging rights.

“Tickets are $10 and kids under 12 are free. That includes hot dogs, drinks like Coke and water, all the chili you can eat and beer,” Yelvington said. “The music is always great, too. We have The Buckeye Band and Friends who play country-rock and some blues.”

With so much work to be done, Yelvington said donations are also appreciated.

“There will be a donation jar at the entrance and then there will be Mary, a chocolate lab — our donation dog,” she said. “She wears a vest with pockets people can put donations in.”

The Humane Society Chili Cook-off will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pavillion on Aerodrome Way, off Carver Road.