CORNELIUS –The Peninsula Community Foundation will hold its eighth annual Charity Gala – using the theme “Broadway Nights, City Lights” – at The Peninsula Club on Sept. 17.

While one of the best-known social events of the season in North Mecklenburg, the gala also raises money for the foundation, which supports established area nonprofits and a few “start-up” charities, according to Jim Duke, president of the Peninsula Property Owners Association and a member of the foundation board.

The foundation has traditionally supported the Lake Norman Free Clinic, Hope House shelter for women and children, Our Towns Habitat for Humanity, Hospice, Dove House and four-year scholarships for a graduating senior at Hough and Hopewell high schools.

The foundation recently purchased a chair lift for Dennis Coogle, who operated Post-Net in Cornelius with his wife, Sherry. Coogle died July 25 of Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and Duke said the chair lift will go to the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson to help others in the future. “The board feels it’s a great way to give back to the community,” Duke said.

WBTV News Anchor Paul Cameron will serve as the gala’s master of ceremonies again this year.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction.Dinner starts at 8 p.m., followed by a lively live auction, featuring art, exotic trips and spa packages.

Some tickets remain available. The $150 ticket includes dinner, wine, dessert and an open bar.

For ticket information, call Andi Griffin at 704 892-2501 or Debbie Pickens at 704 896-9516.