Companions for Children helps match volunteer mentors with kids from 6 to 18 years old who live in the Minot area.

The nonprofit organization has been in the Minot area for more than 40 years and provides mentor relationships between children and adult volunteers.

On Saturday, March 19, Companions for Children holds its third annual Martini Masquerade at the Grand Hotel in Minot.

Only a few tickets were left as of Thursday morning, said Heather Cymbaluk, executive director of Companions for Children.

But for those fortunate to have purchased a ticket, they can expect a special evening with silent and live auctions, martini tasting, appetizers, raffles and entertainment by Black and Whyte Dueling Pianos.

Cymbaluk said about 350 people are expected to attend this year’s event. She said masks for the event are provided. Guests are urged to “dress to impress.”

Sponsors for the Martini Masquerade include the Grand Hotel, I Do Balloons and Delta Vacations.

The Martini Masquerade fundraiser helps Companions for Children raise money for its program.

The organization has the goal of matching every child in Minot who wants a mentor with a screened adult mentor.

“Mentors change kids lives for the better,” says Companions for Children officials on the organization’s website. “But don’t take our word for it!” they also say.

They said studies have shown that youth who meet regularly with a mentor are:

more confident of their performance in school.

more likely to attend college.

more likely to get along better with families.

less likely to consider suicide.

less likely to suffer from depression.

less likely to begin using illegal drugs.

less likely to begin using alcohol.

less likely to skip school.

less likely to react by hitting.

If you would like to find out more about Companions for Children, go to its website at cfcminot.org.