FRANKLIN, Pa. — The eighth annual Relay for Life “Fighter’s Ball” will be held at The Quality Inn, in Franklin, on Saturday, October 26.

The Fighter’s Ball is a non-profit event that aims to raise funds to Relay For Life of Venango County and cancer research as well as to generate awareness for prevention, detection, and treatment of all cancers.

The event began eight years ago with efforts to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation, but beginning with the 4th Annual Fighter’s Ball, when the current organizers took over the event, it was changed to benefit Relay for Life and recognize and support efforts toward prevention, detection, and treatment of all forms of cancer.

“The event is a whole night of entertainment, not just a meal,” organizer Connie Shull told exploreVenango.com.

“Because it is a ball, it started out as a formal event, and people were expected to dress formal, but we’ve changed it to a to a semi-formal/formal formal, so people can dress nice, but not quite as formally.”

According to Shull, organizers are hoping to continue growing the annual event.

“The venue can hold 250 people, and we’d love to have 250 people come.”

Shull also noted the event relies on the generosity of area businesses, groups, and individuals as both sponsors and donors for the silent auction.

“We have some good support in the community and it’s a great event.”

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and a buffet dinner is at 7:00 p.m.

The cost is $30.00 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Oil City Wholesale & Floral Design in Oil City and the Quality Inn in Franklin.

A cash bar will be provided. The event is open to participants 18 and over, but the cash bar will be limited to those 21 and over with valid ID.

There will also be a grand prize raffle, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction. Winners will be announced at 9:30 p.m.

Dancing will follow with DJ Larry. Photos by Identity Studio & Design will be available.

Semi-formal/formal attire is required.

Cancer Fighter’s will be recognized during the event.

For more information on the ball, tickets, or how to become a sponsor or donor, call 814-676-5759, email fightersball@hotmail.com, or visit the Fighters Ball Facebook page.