Some nonprofits demonstrate a certain knack for thinking globally through acting, and impacting, locally.

Such frame of mind isn't lost on Animal Advocates of Moore County (AAMC). A proactive animal welfare organization whose mission is to reduce canine and feline euthanizations, AAMC facilitates a low-cost spay and neuter program, adoption services, foster care, a feral cat sanctuary and vet care support for injured rescues in and around Moore County.

In 2010 alone, AAMC took in 75 dogs and 100 cats, got them fully vetted, and placed most via adoption into forever homes. The organization also helped an additional 302 people with full vetting of their animals without intake and provided testing, spaying or neutering, and rabies and distemper shots to 140 rescues that were then released.

Such activities come at a substantive cost, however, only part of which is supported by private donations and grants. AAMC otherwise supports its mission and activities via fundraising events throughout the year.

For the fifth consecutive year, the coming of fall at AAMC also spells the coming of its largest and most anticipated, year-end annual event, "Puttin' on the Ritz: Top Hat and Tails Benefit Gala."

The fifth annual Top Hat and Tails will take place on Monday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst. Solid black, solid white, and black and white adoptable cats and dogs are the evening's main attraction, arriving at the Fair Barn in vehicles driven by the Sandhills chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America and parading down a celebrity-style red carpet into the Fair Barn.

As in years past, AAMC organizers began planning this year's annual gala months in advance. Their efforts will result in a sophisticated event that includes catering by Elliott's on Linden, wine and beer, a silent auction and a Christmas "giving tree."

Attendees can also sponsor "In Honor Of" and "In Loving Memory Of" dedications to current and remembered pets in the Top Hat event program.

Tickets are on sale, requests are out for silent auction donations, and organizers hope to top last year's attendance of more than 300.

"We're looking forward to a wonderful event in our fifth year of hosting the Top Hat and Tails," says an AAMC spokesperson. "Guests will be treated to fabulous food by Elliott's on Linden, the silent auction will feature great items and baskets just in time for holiday giving, and we're adding a few new surprises to the evening. Top Hat and Tails provides a festive way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends while helping our local animals in need."

Tickets for this year's event are $40 each and can be obtained by calling the AAMC office at (910) 944-5098 or by purchasing them at The Country Bookshop, The Cared for Canine and Cat, Paws Grooming and Moore Equine (Southern Pines); and The Faded Rose and Dazzle boutique (Pinehurst). Tickets can also be bought on the AAMC website www.aamcnc.org.

Interested sponsors for this December's Top Hat and Tails should also call the AAMC office (910-944-5098) to support this event at the following levels: Platinum/"Best in Show" ($2,500); Gold/"Top Dog" ($1,000); Silver/"Cat's Meow" $500; and Bronze/"All Creatures Great and Small" ($250). Businesses may also call to reserve a one-eighth page advertisement in the event program for $100.