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By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center will host its annual Flutter event on Feb. 2 at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center.

The night of fundraising will include a live and silent auction, live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres and local wine. The event is Mardi Gras themed, and attendees are encouraged to don masks and beads if they like.

Students from Jemison High School’s culinary program will prepare the food, and Hidden Meadow Vineyard will provide award-winning wine.

All proceeds will benefit Butterfly Bridge.

“We really center all the attendees on why they’re there,” Director Jana Zuelzke said. “It’s really cool to see how people step up and try to fill the gap of whatever funds we need to make our goal.”

This year the goal is to raise $24,000, according to Zuelzke. She was surprised at the result of the 2016 Flutter, which was just over $20,000. That funding allowed Butterfly Bridge to provide services to more than 3,000 children in 2016.

The services Butterfly Bridge provides include forensic interviews, clinical services, therapy, advocacy and representation in court.

“This community really wraps their arms around this organization and these children that we’re serving, because that’s what this is all about,” Zuelzke said. “If we lose sight of that, there’s no reason to even be doing this event.”

Local businesses, artists and other supporters of the cause donated items for the auction. Tables will be set up for the silent auction based on a wide range of price points.

Zuelzke thanked Parnell Inc., PuroClean, Shane Ogle, Chris Speaks, ASE Credit Union, Amber Darnell and all of her other sponsors for their donations.

Tickets are $25 for a couple or $15 for one. They can be purchased ahead of time at butterflybridgecac.org/eventflutter.php. Zuelzke said an armband for unlimited wine would be available for $3 at the event.

Volunteers for the event are still welcome, according to Zuelzke. To volunteer at the event, you must be a senior in high school or older. Call 205-755-4205 for more information.