A Night for LifeWorks is the annual fundraiser for the LifeWorks Charitable Foundation.

“The mission of the LifeWorks Charitable Foundation is to raise money in order to advance the mission of LifeWorks community services,” said LifeWorks Executive Director Teresa Naughton. “The mission for LifeWorks is to provide opportunities for growth and achievement to persons with disabilities.”

“People with disabilities often need support and so often, families aren’t in a position to be able to give it,” Naughton continued. “So the role of LifeWorks then is to provide support in a community-based setting.”

This fundraiser is the largest fundraiser of the year benefiting LifeWorks. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at LifeWorks offices, Fort Dodge Hy-Vee, Humboldt Hy-Vee and at the door.

-Submitted photo
Lifeworks Director Teresa Naughton is pictured with Zak Clark at the 2018 Night for Lifeworks.

The event will begin with a social hour from 5 to 6 p.m., Naughton said. A buffet dinner will be served.

Following the social hour, the night’s entertainment will begin. The entertainment will be in the style of “America’s Got Talent,” featuring singers Emily Brown, of Des Moines; Brandon Louis, of Gowrie; and Shekinah King, of Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

“People will vote with their dollars for their favorite performer so that we can determine who the people’s choice award-winner is toward the end of the night,” Naughton said.

A group of improv performers from Southeast Valley High School, called Stars of Tomorrow, will perform as well.

“At the end of the night before everyone leaves, we have a testimonial speaker who will share a little bit about LifeWorks and why LifeWorks is worthy of support,” Naughton said.

-Submitted photo
Jim Reed, last year’s master of ceremonies, is pictured with Lifeworks board Secretary/Treasurer Rachell Swanson-Holm.

In addition to dinner and a show, the event will feature a silent auction. Some auction items include a “student package” which has a laptop computer and tuition to Iowa Central Community College, jewelry from Riddle’s Jewelry and Kirkberg Connections and even an item that has a special meaning for the LifeWorks community.

“It’s a fantastic quilt with a great story that may be live-auctioned off,” Naughton said.

To see the quilt and hear the story behind it, people will just have to come to the event, she said.

Community members should attend the fundraiser because “it’ll be fun,” Naughton said. “The event is a good time for a great cause.”