The City of Lake Charles Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission (MAFC) will host the Eleventh Annual Red, White, Blue, and You Patriot’s Ball and fundraising auction on Saturday, July 1, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Contraband Room, 900 Lakeshore Drive.  Area citizens are invited to participate in honoring Southwest Louisiana’s patriots and help kick off the City’s annual Red, White, Blue and You festivities.

The event begins with a social half-hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. During the evening, Mayor-Elect Nic Hunter and the MAFC will honor four individuals from Southwest Louisiana for their patriotic service to the community: a Civilian Patriot of the Year, Emergency Responder Patriot of the Year, and Military Patriot of the Year. A Patriot of the Year will also be remembered posthumously.

SOULED OUT ’72, a local nine-piece band, will perform after the presentations for the listening and dancing pleasure of attendees.  SOULED OUT ‘72, performs music from several eras, to include the 60s and 70s, blended with R&B, Soul, Chicago and Swamp Pop. There will also be a performance by the local dance group “Diamond Dancers”.

Miss Armed Forces 2017-2018 will be introduced during the Ball. The Miss Armed Forces Pageant will take place at American Legion Post 1, 1530 9th St, Lake Charles, Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 5 p.m.  Miss Armed Forces represents Lake Charles’ Red, White, Blue and You and the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission at events, festivals, and fairs across the state to promote patriotism and honor veterans and members of our Armed Forces.

The Red, White, Blue, and You Patriot’s Ball is the main annual fundraising event for the MAFC, which supports area veterans and patriotic projects and activities.  Individuals, organizations, and businesses wishing to sponsor the event or provide auction items should contact Ron Williams at 337-526-2699 or email info@orleck.org.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office (cash, check, credit card) or online at http://mafc.ticketleap.com by credit card. Inquiries: 337-491-1256 (Box Office) or 337-214-7447 or email info@orleck.org (USS ORLECK).