The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is inviting everyone to an evening of “Mardis Gras: Arts in the Big Easy,” a special “Fat Twos Day” celebration on Feb. 22 for the Suffolk Center’s annual fundraiser.

The annual, themed fundraiser will raise money for the center’s community programs, with special festivities planned this year for Feb. 22, 2020 — or “Fat Twos Day.”

“Each year we choose a different theme and incorporate new surprises to keep the annual event fresh,” Susan Lawrence, executive director for the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, wrote in an email. “It seemed logical to go with the Mardi Gras theme for the fundraiser this year since it’s so close to the actual Mardi Gras date, which is set for the following Tuesday, Feb. 25.

“And all of the twos in the fundraiser date shouted to us that it’s the real Fat ‘Twos’ Day! The play on words regarding the date was just too much fun for us to pass up!”

Celebrity DJ “WooWoo” from 94.9 “The Point Radio” will be the event emcee, and live music will be performed by the bands “Connected” and “Spare Change.”

Guests will enjoy delicious food and libations as they bid in the evening’s silent and live auctions, which will feature original art, specialty gifts, amazing experiences and more. The Virginia Auction Company will provide an auctioneer, and a list of auction items will be posted prior to the event.

“We release information early to allow plenty of time for guests to put groups of friends together and be ready to bid on the items they are most interested in experiencing together,” Lawrence wrote. “We have had folks who can’t attend the event submit sealed bids to participate in the auction without being present. Just give us a call ahead of time and we can bid on your behalf.”

All of the fundraiser proceeds will support the Suffolk Center’s Youth Arts Initiatives, including student matinees and the center’s Artists in Schools program, plus arts education and programming at the center, according to Lawrence.

The Suffolk Center is a not-for-profit organization that depends on 40 percent of its annual income to come from donations, grants, memberships and fundraisers, Lawrence wrote.

“The Suffolk Center has only one major fundraiser each year and greatly depends on its proceeds,” Lawrence wrote. “Each year, our goal is to net $50,000 in support. A committee of community volunteers plan and enthusiastically make this event successful each year.”

Tickets are currently available online for $125 per person. There are also various levels of sponsorships for the event and opportunities to donate art, items or experiences for the live and silent auctions.

Mardi Gras attire and masks are encouraged, and there will be an award for the best mask, according to Lawrence.

“Mardi Gras: Arts in the Big Easy” will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Suffolk Center, 110 W. Finney Ave. For more information, contact Susan Stone at 923-0003 ext. 102. Visit suffolkcenter.org for tickets, a schedule of the gala’s different activities and other information.