Gala to help SERVE meet "desperate need'

Organizers of a new fundraiser for SERVE, Inc. are hoping a night of wining and dining speakeasy style will help convince area residents to contribute to what they consider a vital cause.

Swingin' for SERVE - an event which includes Big Band-era music, dinner and a live art auction - starts at 6 p.m. on Sept. 24 at Westminster College's Mueller Center, and is intended to promote and generate support for, the organization's work.

"With the economic downturn and an increase in service numbers, we just have to find a way to reach more people," Executive Director Lisa Brown said of the need to host SERVE's first large-scale fundraiser. "Our big hope is, aside from raising money, we'll also be able to increase awareness and make folks familiar with SERVE and what we do, who we help."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.