Auto transport company MetroGistics raised $24,148 at its annual Monster Mash Halloween Party that will be evenly distributed to Helping Strays – The Humane Society of Monroe County, Illinois, and the Humane Society of St. Clair County SNAP (Spay, Neuter, Adopt and Protect) in China, Michigan.

Around 150 attendees enjoyed the festivities Oct. 14 at the St. Louis Zoo's Living World building. The party featured costumed guests, music, prizes, a fortune teller and a palm reader. Sponsorships from Crowe Horwath, McCarthy Leonard & Klaemerer, A&M and Hot in the Kitchen allowed for 100 percent of ticket sales to go to charity.

"This year's total was the most money ever raised at our annual Monster Mash party, which will allow us to make our largest donations yet to our designated charities," said Managing Partner William Billiter. "Thank you to our attendees, sponsors and staff. We truly appreciate your generosity."

Helping Strays is a charitable organization promoting responsible pet ownership. Its goal is to help prevent animal cruelty, and place abandoned, adoptable, healthy pets in loving new homes. The Humane Society of St. Clair County SNAP is a nonprofit organization that developed out of a communitywide need to help keep an unwanted animal population under control. The organization offers affordable spay/neuter services to the public, and also operate a foster-based rescue program, finding wonderful homes for unwanted and homeless pets.