If the last charity fundraiser you went to forced you to wear a stuffy suit while dining on foie gras and listening to classical music, then the Family Centre’s beach bash might be a breath of fresh air.The casual event includes a buffet-style barbecue on a moonlit beach with live entertainment: Working Title, Duty Free, Joy Barnum, AMG Trio, Kennel Boys with Francesa Dill, Anti Boy and Paper Cut Outs.Guests will also receive a complimentary grounds ticket to the PGA Grand Slam next month.The event will take place at Fairmont Southampton Ocean Club on Friday, September 14, from 7pm. Organisers invite the public to “come and dance the night away @ the event of the year and help give all children a chance for a positive future”.Family Centre executive director, Martha Dismont said: “This event has become a favourite because it brings so many people together in a relaxing environment that celebrates the unique beauty of Bermuda.“We are now helping hundreds of families each year to overcome major setbacks and build strong positive futures for their children. The funds raised at the Beach Bash have become an essential part of making that possible.”The Family Centre has been providing family intervention and support services since 1996. They are charged each year with caring for several hundred children suffering from abuse, neglect and other emotional challenges. Through counselling and support services, they provide families will the tools and skills to be successful and sustain that success for future generations.The charity began hosting a gala fundraiser in 2002, but decided to make it more casual three years ago, when they launched their Beach Bash.Since then they have had an “almost sold out house” close to 450 people have confirmed their attendance for this year’s event.Ms Dismont said the charity was struggling to keep up with demand for its services; in addition donations typically start to slow down at this time of year. They are aiming to raise $125,000 to fund their services through the remainder of 2012.She said: “It’s a big goal, but it’s a big fundraiser so we are hoping that people come out. It’s usually a lot of fun and features an electrifying type of entertainment.“Everyone will have a fabulous time and enjoy themselves at an event that is not formal, it’s a very casual style on the beach. People are working very hard to create a relaxing environment where people can have a good time while raising money for a worthy cause.”The evening will end with a spectacular fire dancing display from Rock Fire Bermuda and a silent auction offers the chance of accommodation and breakfast for two at The Fairmont Zimbali Resort in South Africa; two business class American Airlines tickets to Buenos Aires, Argentina; and a wine tasting for ten with Discovery Wines.Other items up for auction include a two-night stay for two couples or a family of four at Pittormie Castle in St Andrews, Scotland and PGA Grand Slam VIP passes and attendance at the PGA champions reception hosted by the Fairmont Southampton.Premier sponsorship is provided by Mike Collins, while Aspen Insurance has generously taken care of the costs for some of the local performers. The Fairmont Southampton has also contributed generously, said organiser Starla Williams.Tickets, $200 each or $2,000 for a table of ten, are available on bdatix.bm or by contacting Roberta at The Family Centre: 232-1116 or roberta@tfc.prevention.bm.