Lively, committed and making a difference — the Garner Police Department Auxiliary is all of the above.

The Auxiliary’s latest project is hosting the second annual Police Officer’s Ball, set for Friday, June 1 from 8 to 11 p.m., at the Rand-Bryan House in Garner.

The ball offers the community the chance to dine and dance with Garner’s finest, while raising funds to meet community needs.

“There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres served, and a DJ will be playing a mix of music from oldies to some current top 40,” said Spring Zuidema, Auxiliary president and wife of Police Chief Brandon Zuidema. “Last year we danced all night!”

The ball will offer raffle prizes including a men’s watch donated by Anfesa’s Jewelers, valued at $395, along with gift cards and prizes from numerous area businesses and restaurants.

The Garner Police Department Auxiliary was created in 2011 to support officers and their families, aid citizens in need and help build unity within the Garner community.

The GPDA hosts monthly meals for the department, sponsors the Officer of the Month project; has partnered with the local Civitan Club on a community blood drive; and assists with the Police Department’s annual Shop With a Cop program.

Last year’s inaugural Police Officer’s Ball raised $2,000, which helped pay for renovations at the Hayes House, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence.

“We want to be social and benefit the department, but also the community,” Zuidema said. “We’ve stuck to that three-prong philosophy. We are social, but we’re serious too.”

Tickets to this year’s ball are $50 per couple or $30 per ticket, and include a raffle ticket for door prizes, dinner and beverages including wine and beer. Dress is semi-formal.

Tickets are available at the Seventh Avenue Police Station in Garner or by emailing garnerpda@gmail.com.

For more information on the GPDA, click here.