CLAYTON — The Thousand Islands Young Leaders Organization, a Clayton nonprofit, will hold a Christmas Masquerade Ball tonight to raise money for struggling families.

Held on the third floor of the Clayton Opera House from 8 p.m. to midnight, the fourth annual event will feature live music by Fred & the Eds, a cash bar, catered hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.

Alicia M. Dewey, chairwoman of the nonprofit group, said TIYLO has raised $8,500 over the past three years to assist families in need during the holidays.

Pre-sale tickets are $25 per person at the Clayton Opera House box office on Riverside Drive or online at www.tiylo.org. Admission at the door is $30 per person.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Clayton Christmas Fund conducted by the Clayton Sons of the American Legion Squadron 821 and Boy Scout Troop 46, which provides baskets of food, nonperishable items and grocery store gift cards to families, as well as local food pantries.

About 180 people attended last year’s Masquerade Ball, Ms. Dewey said.

The Christmas Masquerade Ball is a formal event and organizers remind people to wear dresses, suits and tuxedos — men must wear jackets — to the event.

Participants may pick up masks for free at the town of Clayton offices, in the basement of the Clayton Opera House, today between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information or to volunteer in a TI Young Leaders event, contact the group via email at tiylo@live.com.

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