Local sorority to host fundraiser for service organizations

 A night of food, drinks, music and giving await visitors of Beta Sigma Phi’s upcoming “Sisters for a Cause” fundraiser, which takes place next month.

Tickets are now on sale for the charity auction event, available at Booth’s Country Florist for $10. The event itself will be held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the
Dowagiac Elks Club.

This is the third year that the five Dowagiac chapters of the sorority have joined forces to host the fundraising event, with the proceeds going toward two local organizations: Cass County Cancer Services and the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services. In previous events, the sorority donated money to regional service organizations such as Borgess’ Tree of Love, Hope’s Door and the United Way of Southwest Michigan, said organizer Patty Booth.

“The sisters vote on which organizations to donate to,” Booth said. We don’t do the same organizations every year. We try to spread the love around.”

A number of different items and services will be up for auction during the event, including tickets to a Notre Dame women’s basketball game.

“A lot of items are donated by local businesses, not only from Dowagiac but from Cass and the surrounding area,” Booth said.

Besides the auction, the event will offer free hors d’oeurves, provided by Porky’s restaurant in Cassopolis, along with a cash bar. Live entertainment will also be provided by musician Al Mott.

Representatives from both organizations receiving funds from the event will also give a brief presentation that evening as well, said Beth Cripe, another organizer for the fundraiser.

“The representatives will get up and speak,” she said. “It makes people feel good about what their money will do for the community.”

Between 100 and 150 people have attended previous fundraisers, Cripe said.

“It’s a lot of fun, and the Elks Club provides a great atmosphere,” she said.