It’s not just another dinner and dance. It’s a celebration for a job well done and a time to relax before the next big project comes up. More importantly, it’s a fundraiser that open doors for children, showing by example that careers in science and technology can be not only financially rewarding, but fun, as well.

Saturday marks the Beaufort County Police Activities League’s third dinner/dance fundraiser “Party with PAL.” The party runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Washington Civic Center; tickets are $35 and include buffet dinner, courtesy of Keyzer Catering, drinks, live band, door prizes and, in organizer Larry Lang’s words, “a good time.”

“In the past, we’ve had a lot of information we presented (at the event), but we’re not doing that this time,” Lang said. “We’ve been working hard this year — it seems like we’ve been doing project after project — so this is just a time to relax and have a party.”

The projects after projects are to the benefit of local children: an afterschool science and technology program at the Washington site of Boys & Girls Club of Beaufort County; a four-week science and technology camp that featured water-based activities; First Responders Appreciation Day, an event that drew the crowds, as well as all branches of the military and law enforcement, and FBI, out to Warren Airfield; a partnership with Beaufort County Schools that created the first LEGO league team in Beaufort County; and next week, in coordination with Beaufort County Schools and Beaufort County Community College, the Youth STEM Career Awareness and Life Skills Program will be launched at BCCC for 327 local students.

All are intended to expose children to worlds beyond what they see every day, and let them know they have options, Lang said.

“Kids are really not exposed, or at least don’t seem to be exposed, to some of the opportunities that are out there. We have folks that works with PAL that have worked in the science fields and have shown them what’s fun about it — shown them a different world that they might not be seeing,” Lang said.

Saturday’s fundraiser helps that happen. With the help of Melissa Jarvis, Lang has put together a fun-filled evening, complete with a shrimp and chicken sit-down dinner and live music provided by CAPS, a true Beaufort County band featuring James Weatherly on guitar, Will Taylor on bass, Wes Toler on drums and Chuck Phillips on guitar and vocals.

“The main event is really having the live band there and they’ll crank up around 8 p.m.,” Lang said.

In addition to CAPS, a raffle will be held for two gift baskets and more giveaways will be held throughout the night, Lang said.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Larry Lang at 252-916-4367 or Melissa Jarvis at 252-944-1149.