WARWICK — A nonprofit group that supports the city’s animal shelter is expanding its fundraising repertoire with a classic-car show next month.

“Cause for Paws” –– which hopes to feature classic cars, hot rods and Corvettes of virtually every vintage — is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Sam’s Club on Pace Boulevard, off Route 2. (The rain date is June 29.)

Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter is best known for the popular motorcycle run it hosts each fall and which is its biggest fundraiser of the year. But now, with municipal budgets growing tighter, board member Ruth Napolitano said the group is trying to hold more events throughout the year and is hoping that the car show will become a big annual draw.

There will be no shortage of cars, she said, but the group is struggling a bit to find businesses to sponsor the trophies for the different classes in which cars will be judged by age or model.

She said Friends hopes to raise enough money to install a fire sprinkler system in the city’s shelter.

Mayor Scott Avedisian said that although the roughly $1-million shelter, which was built about a year ago, is in excellent shape, the city appreciates any upgrades and supplies that the volunteer group can provide.

Napolitano said last year’s motorcycle run netted more than $18,500 for the shelter and the money is being used to build an outdoor play area for dogs.

Warwick’s “no kill” shelter keeps animals as long as possible unless they are infirm or dangerous, Napolitano said. It usually houses about 20 dogs at a given time and will rely on foster care to prolong a dog’s life. The cat population is a growing challenge, she said, since many people just abandon their feline pets when they move.

“Our goal is to give the animals the best life we can for the period of time they are with is,” she said. “There are a lot more animals that need adopting than people think.

“Also, people think that since it’s the Warwick animal shelter the city can pay for everything, but that’s not true,” Napolitano said estimating that more than 80 percent of the supplies are funded by the nonprofit support group. Recently, the group helped to help finance a surgical room at the shelter that will enable veterinarians to spay and neuter animals there, she said.

Napolitano said Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter had held relatively modest fundraising events this year, including a breakfast, and then came up with the idea of a classic auto show. “We thought it would be a lot of fun and hope it becomes as popular as the motorcycle run,” she said. “There are so many car enthusiasts in Rhode Island and it just seems like a good way to start off the summer.”

The show will feature disc jockey Bruce Palmer, refreshments, and information on pets available for adoption. There is no fee for spectators; the entry fee for cars is $15. For more information call Napolitano at (401) 480-9769 or the shelter at (401) 468-4377.

bpoliche@projo.com