A high number of multiple family fires — those that occur in apartment complexes, duplexes and other places where numerous families live — have depleted the funds of the local American Red Cross.

To help ensure the organization doesn’t begin its new fiscal year, which starts July 1, in the red, funds from the 4th Annual Mayors of the Black Belt Charity Ball will be given to the Red Cross.

Jakki Caldwell-Phillips, executive director of the local Red Cross, said she hopes people will feel community spirited and community minded and will rise to the challenge of doing god to help those in need and attend the event, slated for Thursday from 6-10 p.m.

“This event is really to showcase the beautiful attitude that Selmians have when it comes to helping others,” Phillips said. “This is an area that really goes have a Samaritans spirit and I think this is an excellent time to demonstrate the spirit and put it back into action it really does go back into the community and help is there when the need arises.”

The event will feature live entertainment and food, as well as allow for residents to make tax-deductible donations to the Red Cross.

Tickets for the ball are $50 for individuals, $75 for couples and $300 for a table of eight, and can be purchased at the Red Cross Office, City Hall or at the door of the event. The dress for the evening is formal.

Mayor George Evans said he hoped at least 200 people would attend the event, which will take place inside the newly renovated River Front Building on Lawrence Street.

“It is important to attend because in the Black Belt and even nationwide, the Red Cross has helped so many people,” Evans said. “Although this ball is mainly to address the needs of the Black Belt, this money goes to benefit them. It’s a service program to help those in need who are less fortunate than we are.”

Already this year, the local Red Cross served more than 130 single-family fires cases and disbursed $52,420 in direct relief aid to 436 household members in Dallas, Marengo, Perry and Wilcox counties, according to a press release.

“It will be a good time and give everyone a chance to help the Red Cross,” Evans said.