Some fun facts about the year 1962: The U.S. Navy SEALs was first established. The first K Mart opened. The U.S. national debt rose above $300,000,000,000. Ringo Starr joined The Beatles.

Maybe lesser known, the Cancer and Community Charities organization was formed in Coeur d'Alene.

That means that 2012 marks a half century birthday for the women's organization 3Cs, known for raising money year round for myriad local charities.

"Probably our biggest impact is that we've given over $1.5 million to the community," said Bobbi Freeman, 3Cs president.

To celebrate the past success and hopefully another half century of do-goodery ahead, the 3Cs is tailoring its 10th annual Fall Festival fundraiser to a 1962 theme.

"Fall Back to 1962" will include '60s themed music, on top of live and silent auctions. The event will also offer a buffet dinner featuring gourmet treats by chef Tim Heinig of the Floating Green Restaurant, and by chef Gene Tillman of the Coeur d'Alene Inn. If that isn't tempting enough, there will be raffles for money and buckets of wine and liquor.

"It's just a fun event," said Marcia Saunders, 3Cs publicity chair.

The event is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn at 506 W. Appleway Ave.

Although the theme pays homage to the longevity of the 3Cs, the focus of the Fall Festival is the same as ever, Saunders said. To raise money for charities.

"We get quite a bit of money from it," Saunders said, adding that last year the event raised more than $14,000. "Everything goes back 100 percent to the community."

Tickets are $35, of which $20 is tax deductible.

For reservations, call Saunders at 773-4909.

More than 200 have registered so far, Saunders said.

The Fall Fest is one of the 3Cs' larger fundraising events. The group also drums up dollars through membership of its activity groups like a book club and bridge club.

Last year, Saunders said, the group donated more than $82,000 to 24 charities.

"It's the interest of giving," she said of why so many participate in the fundraising.

The 3Cs was founded as a bowling league in 1962 by Ellen Walden. The group officially became a nonprofit in 1975, and a 501c(3) in 1993. The organization has expanded to offer several major fundraising events throughout the year, including its annual spring fashion show. The nonprofit offers 11 activity groups.

Freeman attributed the organization's success to its devoted volunteers, of which there are more than 600 today.

"It gives people who are new here a chance to join an established group, a book club, cooking club, and they're able to be included in our community," she said.

The group is still growing, she said, adding that more than 20 joined just last month.

"That's the most in a long while," Freeman said. "We're doing something right."