From beaching to boating, hiking to biking, there are tons of ways to have a ball on Block Island. But there’s one Ball (note the capital B) that outshines them all for its festive family-friendly atmosphere and its importance to local islanders. It’s the annual Mary D. Ball, the premier fundraiser for the Mary D. Fund, started by Block Island’s charitable force of nature Mary Donnelly, Block Island nurse for more than 50 years until she retired in 2013 at age 86.

She hasn’t retired from helping year-round Islanders struggling with financial hardship, though. So, as Mary would say, “dress to have a ball,” (we’ve seen everything from tuxedos to Bermuda shorts) and come to The Sullivan House on Saturday, August 7 pm at 11 pm.

You’ll enjoy live entertainment, great food and drinks and a stunning view overlooking the ocean and New Harbor. It’s a great way to honor Mary, support the cause and rub elbows with locals and visitors alike.

Tickets start at $40 and are available at the door, so no need to plan in advance. Just show up and show your stuff on the dance floor— all while showing Mary and her islanders some much-deserved love.