BIG SPENDERS: Dr. Marty Poffenberger, president of the Humane Society of Beaufort County, looks on as the auctioneer takes bids on one of the many items up for purchase at the HSBC’s annual auction on Oct. 27. A large crowd turned out for the event at the Washington Civic Center, and a total of $20,030 was raised through ticket sales, silent and live auction, raffle tickets and sponsorships. The auction is HSBC’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and its proceeds are used for spay/neuter events held throughout the year to try to cut down on unwanted pet populations.