Like many other towns in other places, Washington is known for a few signature events. Anyone who’s spent any time in this town nestled at the confluence of the Pamlico and Tar rivers can name them

First, there’s Smoke on the Water, the annual barbecue festival that makes one lucky (or talented) cooker the N.C. Pork Council’s state barbecue champion. Throw chili, vendors, games, a pig parade and more into the mix, and Smoke on the Water is a huge draw for residents and visitors alike.

Then there’s the Humane Society of Beaufort County’s annual live auction, silent auction, raffles, food, beverage and all around good fun, held every year at the Washington Civic Center. It’s tonight, if you haven’t bought your ticket yet.

After that, comes the Sound Rivers Oyster Roast, held on the grounds, and inside, the Washington Civic Center. Featuring a silent auction, a live band, all the oysters you can eat beneath a starry sky, the event is a favorite of, again, both locals and out-of-towners. The oyster roast is Nov. 9, and there are a few tickets left—in case you haven’t bought yours yet.

These events very much differ from one another, yet they definitely have something in common. They are all fundraisers.

One is a fundraiser for Washington (noon) Rotary, but the money doesn’t stay with that club. It’s used to support many nonprofits in Beaufort County, from those who make sure people are fed, to those who make sure people have shelter, to those who provide arts and culture to everyone.

One is a fundraiser for the local Humane Society, and the money raised is used to offset costs to spay/neuter animals. The reason they do this is so fewer animals end up unwanted, uncared for, and/or awaiting either adoption or euthanasia at the shelter. The ultimate goal is to have no unwanted animals out there, which is truly humane.

One is fundraiser for Sound Rivers, which is the watchdog for our local waterways. They use the funds raised to educate people about the importance of the estuary and water quality and how important it is to take care of the gift of all of Beaufort County’s rivers and creeks — all waterways, right down to the ditches.

So these events — these signature Washington events — are actually doing a lot of good after the pork’s all been roasted, the auctioneer goes silent and the oysters have all been shucked. They’re doing good by us. You might want to return the favor and do good by them, too.