Tickets for one of the area’s largest fundraisers and favorite end-of-summer celebration, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s Last Chance for White Pants Gala, are on sale. The gala will be Saturday, Aug.24, from 7-11 p.m. at The Hangar at Modern Aviation, which is also presenting sponsor for the event.

For more than a decade, the gala has been known for its relaxed casual, beach vibe; fabulous food and drinks; and dance-the-night-away live high-energy music. In the last few years, the event has also opened its silent auction to the public with online bidding, and added a rare bourbon raffle with a top prize of an elusive bottle of Pappy Van Winkle.

“While Last Chance for White Pants Gala has become known as an exciting more celebration-like atmosphere than many fundraising galas, its purpose in supporting our mission is the most important aspect of the event,” Katie Tate, director of foundation, said. “Each year, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare provides more than one million dollars in care, services and support for local individuals and families at a time in life when it matters the most. We never refuse anyone care based on their ability to pay.”

Proceeds also help fund supportive services including adult and children’s grief counseling, support groups, and children’s grief camp; resources, education, support and respite to families caring for a loved one with a dementia-related illness through its LifeCare Memory Partners program; and for ensuring the special needs of veterans are met at end of life through its We Honor Veterans program. 

“Some money will also be used for the upkeep of our inpatient hospice care centers,” Tate added. “These specially designed, home-like facilities, provide around-the-clock care and support to hospice patients and their loved ones when pain and symptoms can no longer be managed in a residential setting. Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is the only area hospice that offers such facilities, which are exclusively available to those it serves.”

Guests are encouraged to wear white attire to show support for the nonprofit’s mission. Go casual or glam it up – it’s all up to guests. Just be ready to have a fabulous time while supporting a great cause.

“The gala is generally a sold-out event, so I encourage people to get their tickets soon if they want to join in the evening,” Tate concluded. “It’s always an exciting evening and provides community families living with serious illnesses with essential care and support. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our many community sponsors and committee members. To say we appreciate them all is an understatement.”

Purchase tickets to the gala online at WhitePants.org. The site also has links to the online auction which opens for bids on Aug. 19. While there, enter to win a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, Old Fitzgerald, or Blanton’s in the rare bourbon raffle. You don’t have to be present to win auction items or the raffle.