FUSION’s annual summer art fundraiser event returns to in-person this year with a Greek mythology “Garden of the Gods” theme.

The gala will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Dumas Bay Centre and will feature silent and live auctions with no virtual component.

“Our hope was that we would be able to have a live event, and once the state was reopened, we knew that was a possibility,” said FUSION executive director Robin O’Grady. “We know that people are really ready to get out and see their neighbors and community members, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Attendees can bid on auction items from local artisans and businesses and enjoy an individually packaged three-course Greek dinner from Chomp! Foods. The live auction will include items like a hot air balloon ride, wine tasting getaway and a luxury weeklong trip to Mexico.

FUSION is also offering swag bags themed around Hades, Poseidon or Zeus featuring candles, wine, face masks and more. Advance sale of swag bags is only available until July 18.

Proceeds from the event will go toward funding FUSION’s mission of providing housing and support to families experiencing homelessness. FUSION hopes to raise $200,000 to fund primarily their transitional housing program and case management.

“FUSION is making a critical impact in the community,” O’Grady said. “Since the beginning of the year, we have served 77 families and provided them with emergency shelter, transitional housing and supportive services to help them move from hopelessness and homelessness to self-sufficiency and permanent housing.”

As the eviction moratorium comes to an end, FUSION anticipates a greater need for their services. O’Grady said the nonprofit relies on support from volunteers and local community corporate sponsors to help serve the community.

“The FUSION organization really is a fusion of the talent, resources, and the combined efforts of our professional staff and volunteers, and the generosity of our community members, corporate sponsors, and contributors,” O’Grady said. “We all work together to make a difference in our community.”

Get your tickets

Online ticket sales for the event are open until July 31. FUSION is also always looking for volunteers. For more information about the event or about volunteering, visit www.fusionfederalway.org.

FUSION stands for Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy. Founded in 1993 by Peggy LaPorte and a group of local residents, the nonprofit organization works to help families experiencing homelessness transition into permanent housing.