BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County Victim Services will bring the community together for an evening of food, fashion and fundraising during its annual Fall Festival and Fashion Show on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Riverside Plaza and Event Center. 

Doors open at 5 p.m., with the fundraiser beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. 

The Fall Festival is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser and provides funding that allows Victim Services to meet needs throughout the year that may not be covered through grants. 

“Our program really would not be possible without this support from the community,” Said Laci Lowther, BCVS executive director and advocate. “It really helps us have those unrestricted funds to meet needs that come up throughout the year that aren't specifically covered by grants.” 

This year, the organization hopes to raise between $12,000 and $16,000. 

The evening will include a live auction featuring items donated by members of the community, a giving tree, prize drawings, a fashion show and a dessert dash. 

The fashion show will be provided by Handpicked, a consignment boutique at Under the Sun, and will feature local mothers and daughters modeling together. 

For the dessert dash, tables will have the opportunity to bid on desserts made by community members, with the highest-giving table receiving first choice. 

Guests can also purchase $5 “wings cards” for opportunities to win prizes in drawings held throughout the evening. Lowther said organizers typically hold 30 to 40 drawings, with prizes ranging from handmade soap and fresh-baked bread to services such as a 90-minute massage. 

Complimentary appetizers will be available, with beer, wine and other beverages available for purchase. 

Boundary County Victim Services provides free, confidential assistance to crime victims, including advocacy, information and referrals, support navigating the criminal and civil justice systems, emergency shelter, assistance accessing counseling and on-scene or hospital response when requested. The organization also provides community outreach and education, including healthy relationship presentations for teens. 

Lowther emphasized that someone does not need to have reported a crime to law enforcement to receive assistance from Victim Services. The nonprofit operates separately from law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office and the county. 

The organization is still accepting donations and auction items for this year's fundraiser. Those interested in contributing can contact Boundary County Victim Services and speak with an advocate. 

Those unable to attend can also support Victim Services through monetary or needed-item donations, volunteering or simply helping spread awareness about the services available to crime victims in Boundary County. 

The Fall Festival and Fashion Show Fundraiser will be held at Riverside Plaza and Event Center, 6437 Bonner St. Tickets are available at Under the Sun, The Dressing Room, Bonners Books and Sugarplum Floral. 

For more information about the event or Boundary County Victim Services, call 208-267-7334.