The Pearl River County SPCA raised more than $3,000 to fund its low cost spay and neuter program during the inaugural “One Night Stand” held Saturday evening where participants spent the night alongside shelter animals.

Participants solicited donations for the shelter through Facebook and via email before spending the night at the shelter along with shelter staff. Three animals were adopted during low cost adoptions at the shelter that evening, said PRCSPCA Treasurer Lauren Fitts.

Of the participants, 19 were Poplarville High School honors students, said Fitts. The students benefited from participating in last weekend’s event because they received volunteer hours they needed for things like college applications, said Fitts.

“We just want to thank everybody for participating and those that donated to cover the food for everybody,” said Fitts. “Without the participants and without the donors it wouldn’t have been possible.”

Along with raising money for the shelter, participants also competed in a kennel decorating contest, Fitts said. Kennels were elaborately decorated; from a homey kennel complete with cardboard cabinets and a faux stove, to the winning kennel decked out for a fiesta with tissue paper flowers.

The shelter’s staff and volunteers plan to hold the event on an annual basis.