The St. Nicholas Center for Children will host its fifth annual “Seersucker and a Solitaire” fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday at Gray Planation Golf Club, 6150 Graywood Pkwy.

The evening will feature dinner, live music, live and silent auctions and a chance to win a 1-carat solitaire diamond from Navarra’s Jewelry and Gifts.

Ada O’Quain, event coordinator, said all of the proceeds benefit the center, which provides therapy and support for autistic children and their families.

“Therapy, autism therapy especially, is very costly … (proceeds) keep our doors open and help us to serve the current and future families of the center,” she said.

The fundraiser, O’Quain said, came about as a way to have a “fun end-of-the-summer bash.”

“We loved the whole southern seersucker garden party, so it’s like a summer casual cocktail party,” she said.

The center serves about 200 children, O’Quain said. Part of the winnings from the auction items will go to the families who donated them to the event.

Along with funding regular programs offered at the center, O’Quain said the proceeds will pay for new initiatives, including a greater emphasis on family training and involvement in autism therapy.

“We’re working very hard to involve lots of parent and family training so that everyone can take part,” she said. “It truly does take a village, and we love to be that for all of these families.”

Attendees are encouraged to wear garden-style attire, including seersucker suits and dresses. Local band the Tugboats will perform.

Tickets are $125 each and can be purchased at www.classy.org/event/seersucker-and-a-solitaire/e183576. The event is open to adults 21 and older.

2017 Event

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