The Bogalusa Firefighters Auxiliary is holding its first masquerade fundraiser this Saturday, and everyone is invited.

Kimberly Matthews, the president of the organization, said she hopes for a sellout event, and all the money raised will go to help local firefighters.

“We haven’t decided yet what we’ll do with (the money), but the money will be used to purchase things that the city can’t afford,” she said.

The group is a year old this week, and last year, Matthews said, they held a softball fundraiser and bought grills for each fire station in town.

“The auxiliary was formed to give support to the firemen in whatever way they need,” she said.

Matthews said the group includes wives, mothers, daughters, friends and anyone else who wants to support the auxiliary.

The masquerade ball will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Bogalusa Grill, and Matthews said it should be a fun event. In addition to dinner and dancing, the auxiliary will have ongoing games throughout the evening.

“It’s not only a ball, but an elimination dinner. That’s an event where everyone will come get a number, and all through the night the numbers will be called and the last number called will win $1,000,” she said. “And we will have other things going on, like a split-the-pot raffle and an auction to dance with the firefighter of your choice.”

Tickets are still available, and they’re $25 each. Matthews said her group only has 200 tickets, and they’re hoping to sell out of all of them.

They can be purchased at Bogalusa City Hall or by calling Matthews at 985-516-3184.

To find out more about the auxiliary group, visit their Facebook page or attend a meeting. Matthews said the group meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at central headquarters, which is next door to city hall.

“We appreciate the support of the community for the firefighters, not just for this ball, but in general,” Matthews said.