A new community organization aimed at creating tangible solutions to breaking the cycle of violence and empowering the youth of Fort Dodge grew out of the tragedies of gun violence that took the lives of several young men this summer.

Now, that group is looking to continue its mission with a mentoring center in the Fort Dodge area.

Over the summer, NextGen Fort Dodge hosted a community barbecue and a back to school bash, but the group wants to make an even bigger impact on the youth in Fort Dodge. In order to do that, the organization needs funds to work with.

The NextGen Holiday Fundraiser will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Laramar Ballroom, 710 First Ave. N.

“We have been working super hard since our last event planning our fundraiser,” said Paige Williams, one of the founding members of NextGen. “So much work has gone into the planning of this event to make it appealing to the community to not only raise funds, but allow adults in our area an enjoyable evening.”

Tickets are $35 and can be ordered online at https://square.link/u/dzCO5l3r or purchased at the door.

The evening will feature “hearty hors d’oeuvres,” a silent auction, live music by Emma Elsbecker, a cash bar, socializing and dancing. Auction items include a few gift baskets donated by local businesses and an array of unique experiences to bid on.

NextGen doesn’t have a set goal for how much the group hopes to raise next weekend, Williams said.

“”Our main goal of the fundraiser event is to provide a good base for our group to build from,” she said. “We’re working hard to create a mentoring center in the Fort Dodge area and while we don’t have a number that is our goal, we are hoping that we create a foundation that we can work from throughout the year.”

After the fundraiser, NextGen is looking to hit the ground running with its new partnership with Iowa MENTOR, a part of the state’s Volunteer Iowa program, and making sure NextGen has everything it needs to create a successful mentoring program, Williams said.

Iowa MENTOR will be doing a virtual “hello” and explanation of what they do during the event, she added.

IF YOU GO

NextGen Holiday Fundraiser

Saturday, Dec. 16

5-8 p.m.

Laramar Ballroom, 710 First Ave. N.

Tickets: $35 Online or at the door