Nursing CAP Inc. will hold the third annual “Gala with A Purpose: A Red, Black & White Affair” fundraiser on April 6 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront, 100 E. Constance Road. This event will support the organization’s youth programs and other ongoing operations.

The gala will be from 6 to 10 p.m. with a dress code of red, black and white attire. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner served by Hilton Garden Inn staff and music by DJ Seko Varner. The highlight of the evening will be testimonials from Nursing CAP Inc. participants and their parents, according to Regina McKinney, founder and executive director of Nursing CAP Inc.

There will also be a silent auction with items such as a Washington Redskins football jersey, Traci Lynn fashion jewelry, artwork and tickets for family entertainment events. Local businesses have also donated door prizes.

Nursing CAP Inc. provides support to students through mentoring and tutoring in science and math throughout the academic year. The program is dedicated to introducing minority students, first-generation college students and economically disadvantaged students to the fields of nursing, science, technology and health care.

There are 55 participants in the program, McKinney wrote in an email. The program operates within the Suffolk Public Schools district, with Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach students also enrolled in the program.

The opportunities this program provides to these participants are sustained by loyal supporters and donors. McKinney wrote that it’s important to support this fundraiser because the organization is addressing the current shortage of diverse, registered nurses and other health care providers through numerous career opportunities.

“The benefit to the Western Tidewater area is (that) by providing this program we are potentially growing our own health care workforce pipeline,” McKinney wrote. “We want our students to be well-educated and well-trained professionals that eventually return to the community in which they were raised to better address the future health care needs in (that) community.”

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on eventbrite.com or by emailing info@nursingcap.org. There are also “Table to Gold” sponsorships starting at $100. Other donations are encouraged and can be mailed to Nursing CAP Inc., P.O. Box 5593, Suffolk, VA 23435.