The SHARE Family & Community Services Society's Imagine gala happens this Saturday (March 9) at

Coquitlam's Red Robinson Show Theatre. The event is the non-profit's signature fundraiser of the year, and organizers hope to exceed $100,000.

"Obviously, we'd love to blow that out of the water, but the goal is to raise $100,000," said Kate Lawrence, the society's director of development.

"The money we raise goes towards general support for SHARE as a whole, and it supports all of our programming: everything from the food bank to counselling services, to legal advocacy and all the other different things we do on a daily basis."

On tap for this year's event, which kicks off at 6: 30 p.m., is a repeat appearance of the Underground Circus, while Global TV personalities John Daly and Kaitlyn Herbst will serve as guest hosts.

A cast of celebrity judges will decide on their favourite sweet and savoury tastes from local restaurateurs. The savoury dishes include tuna tataki and pearls from the Backstage Grille @ Boulevard Casino, butter chicken sliders from Joey's Coquitlam, habañero meatloaf from Sammy J's Grill and Bar, and pulled pork and corn bread from Wilbur and Sabastian's Smokehouse and Bistro.

On the sweet side of things, the Christine Catering Company will be offering up gateau au chocolate café, Luscious Creations will put its trio of cake truffles to the test, Mr. Mike's Steakhouse & Bar will unveil its Dreamy Bailey's Cheesecake, and White Spot will whip up its Bumbleberry Cheesecake.

"This event is unique in the sense that you're out and about, moving throughout the room and getting to know other people in our community," Lawrence said.

"It's all about getting to know your neighbour and this is the perfect place to do that. We want you to know the people who are supporting us."

Topping the list of auction items is a guitar autographed by renowned blues legends Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang, a day's worth of recording time at Port Coquitlam's Vogville Studios, an eight-person prize pack to go shooting at the Port Coquitlam Hunting and Fishing Club, a two-night stay at a Vancouver Island bed and breakfast, and a closed-door wine tasting opportunity.

Raffle prizes include two tickets to anywhere in the world that WestJet flies, a vacation package to the Predator Ridge golf course and resort and a $500 Vancity My Treat Visa gift card.

SHARE staffers will also unveil a video project called I Am Share, an interactive exercise that explains to the community what the society represents, and whom it serves.

"We are in the Tri-Cities community, we work for the community and we work together to build partnerships," Lawrence said.

"Everything we do is about the people we serve and we can't do what we do without the community's help. This video really does represent the Tri-Cities community."

Tickets for Imagine cost $75 and can be purchased online at imagine.sharesociety.ca or by phone at 604-540-9161.

jkurucz@thenownews.com