BENTON HARBOR — Child and Family Services of Southwestern Michigan is asking locals to take part in a festive gathering to support their cause.

The annual Festival of Lights gala benefitting Child & Family Services of Southwestern Michigan, Inc. will be hosted from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, at The Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street in St. Joseph.

Reservations are $50 and can be made online at cfsswmi.org.

Festival of Lights is a highly visible opportunity for the community to demonstrate their commitment to the clients that CFSSWMI serves. These individuals include seniors, disabled persons, caregivers, and women and children who are escaping from domestic violence.

In 2016, CFSSWMI helped 971 vulnerable adults and children in the St. Joseph area in finding and maintaining safe and loving homes.

Proceeds from this event support five programs crucial to the St. Joseph community, according to event officials.

The programs include Safe Shelter for Domestic Violence, Autumn House and Harbor House Adult Day Services, Helping Hands Adult Home Care Services and West Michigan Guardianship.

Live music will be provided by The ARK Jazz Quartet and Dan Maxon, guitarist and vocalist. Hors d’oeuvres will be presented by CK Catering. Many of the artists’ studios at The Box Factory will be open for touring. A photo booth with fun props will provided by Ben Pancoast photography. Fundraising activities include a silent auction, raffles and games, including a drawing for a Chicago dinner cruise.

About CFS

Founded locally in 1891 and in its 126th year of continuous service, CFS supports vulnerable people so they thrive in safe and loving homes; in addition, the organization helps empower all generations to improve quality of life.