Miss-Lou residents are invited to party for a good cause this weekend at the Leadership Natchez gala.

The fundraiser, at 7 p.m. Friday at the community center, will benefit a local school that provides life skills training for mentally challenged youth and adults.

“We’re trying to raise money to help Pleasant Acres Day School with their building project,” Leadership Natchez member Wanda Frye said.

Each year, the Chamber of Commerce-sponsored class chooses a project.

One of the ongoing projects the students participate in is sorting donated Mardi Gras beads and selling them. But space for sorting and storing the beads is tight.

So, Leadership Natchez is raising money toward renovations and adding on to an existing building.

The goal is $20,000, Frye said. Hopefully, Friday’s benefit will contribute to that goal.

“We’ve had a couple of small fundraisers, but this is a big push,” Frye said.

The benefit will host a special guest, too. Mississippi First Lady Marsha Barbour will serve as guest speaker.

“It’s exciting for us,” Frye said. “She’s a strong advocate of children, so this is kind of a natural fit for her, I think.”

Individual tickets to the event cost $75 each, and sponsorships are available. All tickets should be purchased in advance.

A reception and silent auction will open the event, followed by dinner and dancing. Dress is cocktail attire.

“It’s definitely a worthy cause,” Frye said. “It’s the only facility in the area that provides that kind of service. And it’s going to be fun.”

Those interested should contact Natchez Leadership member Janifer Robinson at 601-445-2660.

This year’s Leadership Natchez class is winding down, and members will graduate in May.

Frye said her experience has been “absolutely” worthwhile.

“We’ve all enjoyed it, and we’ve all learned something, too.”