Tammy Jalbert believes there is strength in numbers. The executive director of the Columbia Animal Shelter invites the public to a party on Friday, Nov. 19, during the Extraordinary Give. The party will be held at the shelter, 265 S. 10th St., Columbia, from 7 p.m. to midnight and will feature five Columbia organizations that are all participating in the 24-hour fundraising marathon.

Along with the shelter, the hosts for the party will be the Columbia Public Library, Columbia Economic Development Corporation, Off the Streets Susquehanna and the Columbia Education Foundation.

"We decided to try to partner with as many local groups as we could and to get everybody together under one roof for the Extraordinary Give," Jalbert explained. "Each organization will have a table set up, and anybody who has an interest can come and talk to people from each one of the organizations throughout the evening."

Food and drinks will also be served, and students from Columbia School of Music will perform. "Several local businesses are donating refreshments," Jalbert said, noting that these will include Rose's Deli and More, Hinkle's Restaurant, Gorman Distributors, Half Nuts Popcorn Co., the Black Olive Family Diner and Sue's Food Market.

All donations for the Extraordinary Give will be made through the event's website at http://www.extragive.org, but the party will give people an opportunity to learn more about the hosts. Donation stations for online giving will be set up throughout the shelter.

Each organization will benefit separately from participation in the Extraordinary Give. The Columbia Animal Shelter plans to use funds raised to expand its low-cost spay and neuter clinic.

"The party is a collective get-together and a way to celebrate everything these organizations are doing," Jalbert stated. "You don't necessarily have to donate to all five places. You can just come to the party and learn a little more about each organization. You might even find out you want to become involved with the organization. This is a way to connect with organizations in your community."