HUNTINGTON -- We may have a few more weeks of winter, but the beach season is starting now.

Hospice of Huntington blasts some summer fun right into the heart of winter from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 6, as the Veterans Memorial Field House hosts the second annual Hospice Beach Party.

Tickets are $35 advance; $40 at the door. Reserved tables for 10 are $500. Must be 21 or over. Buy tickets at www.hospiceofhuntington.org or by calling 304-529-4217.

Shelly Betz, director of development and community relations at Hospice, said Hospice was looking for another smaller fundraiser last year when they came up with the idea of a winter-time indoor beach party filled with barbecue, beach games, attire and great music.

That party drew more than 300 people and they're expecting a similar-sized crowd on Saturday when folks will don their favorite beach shirts and shorts and come out for a great time for a great cause.

Amidst tropical decorations folks will enjoy a buffet of beach, lawn and summer fun games from corn hole to volleyball and table tennis.

Joe Smith, the chef at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House will smoke up a barbecue buffet dinner, and Betz said the night will be filled with door prizes as well including a beach trip giveaway, courtesy of Travel Doctors. Everyone who buys a ticket to the event will have their name in that drawing.

Bringing the musical heat will be popular DJ Chuck Black spinning the best beach music, dance favorites and oldies, as well as live music from local festival favorites, The Oakwood Road Band.

Johnson's Photos will be taking photos of couples as they arrive "at the beach" and the YMCA is stepping up and keeping the heat on with a dance-infused Zumba demonstration with Christy Spurlock.

Spurlock said they'll be sharing the infectious and high-energy workout that infuses Latin Dance with splashes of hip hop dance for a one-of-a-kind fitness program started by Beto Perez.

Betz said while they had looked at some other places to host the event, it has grown to a point where they needed a large enough place to host the multi-faceted beach party.

"For those of us who have fond memories of going to the Field House for basketball games and their entertainment, it's a bit nostalgic to walk those hallways and be in the arena area," said Betz, of the Field House that has hosted everyone from KISS to Lil' Wayne. "It's also a reminder that we need to support the Field House that was named in honor of all veterans who served our country."

Betz said with tickets at only $35 advance, and corporate or group tables for 10 for only $500, it makes a great evening and an affordable event for those who want to help Hospice.

"Many of our supporters cannot afford to attend events that are priced beyond $125, especially in this economy," Betz said. "Like many charitable organizations, we experienced a significant decline in donations last year. We are reimbursed a flat daily rate for the care we provide to our patients, yet our costs associated with this care exceeds that amount. Our need is ongoing, especially with an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases throughout our five-county service area. We are committed to providing quality end-of-life care to anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay. Fundraising is a critical component to our success in achieving that."

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