The Ridge Meadows Hospice Society will be in a romantic mood at its fundraiser next Saturday.

An Evening of Romance fundraising dinner will be held for the second year in a row to help raise money for the society.

Last year, the event raised $6,000 for the hospice and its programs and this year the society is hoping to do the same.

"If we can match it, we'll be happy," said Laura Cherrille, executive director of the Ridge Meadows Hospice Society.

The fundraising dinner will include a pasta dinner and desserts, catered by Organic World, who gave the nonprofit society an "extremely good deal," Cherrille said.

There will also be a 50/50 draw, a heart badge draw, and a silent auction.

Music will be provided by Crystal Sounds Mobile DJ Services.

The Evening of Romance will be held at Ridge Meadows Seniors Society Centre, 12150 224th St. in Maple Ridge.

Tickets are just $38, or for seniors (55-plus) only $30.

To purchase tickets or provide a donation for the event, call 604-463-7722 or email Kristina@ridgemeadowshospice.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Ridge Meadows Hospice Society is recruiting visiting volunteers. A visiting volunteer is an advocate who comforts and supports a dying person, his family, and his or her friends.

Visiting volunteers, who receive training from the hospice society, visit people where they are, for example at home or in the hospital, spend time listening, and giving respite to family members.

Their next training session will begin in February. Call the society office to register or to learn more about how to volunteer at 604-463-7722 or visit their website at wwwridgemeadowshospicesociety.com.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com