Whidbey Island residents recently shelled out $92,000 to support animals and the Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation.

WAIF raised the cash at its ninth annual Spring Fling auction at Useless Bay Golf & Country Club on May 12. A WAIF spokeswoman said the amount raised exceeded the group’s goal.

“This year’s entertaining event surpassed all expectations of community support,” said Cinnamon O’Brien in a release.

“WAIF is extremely thankful to its supporters who made this year’s auction an outstanding success! It’s because of the generosity of sponsors, local businesses and individuals who donated auction items, and those who attended and contributed at the event that WAIF can continue helping Whidbey Island’s strays and shelter animals without homes and pet owners in need.”

Founded in 1990, WAIF is a nonprofit organization on Whidbey Island that helps pets and their owners. The money provides daily care, food,

education, medicine and adoption services for Whidbey Island’s homeless pets at WAIF shelters. Funding from the auction also pays for WAIF’s Crisis Assistance Program that provides supplemental resources for emergency care, spay and neuter programs and veterinary care.

“The success of this event is a true indication that the people of Whidbey and the surrounding communities continue to believe in WAIF and its mission to ensure that all strays and abandoned companion animals receive a second chance at a forever loving home,” said WAIF board president Bob Rupp. “We are truly appreciative of all the support WAIF receives.”

Rupp emceed the evening and brought his vacuum for a repeat performance from last year to “vacuum wallets and pockets” of the guests. Tracy Olney from Stokes Auction Group was the auctioneer.

WAIF organizers said they were additionally grateful to its event chairs, Dawn Ritter & Merritt Atwood, and event volunteers.

For more information about WAIF, visit waifanimals.org.