Benefit for John C. Howell Park improvements

After making the tough decision earlier this year to cancel the annual Summerfest, the Virginia-highland Civic Association opted to hold the smaller, more socially-distanced fundraiser, A Night Out for John Howell Park on Friday.

This limited-capacity, ticketed event includes a catered dinner by D.B.A. Barbecue. All funds raised will go directly to support improvements for John Howell Park, according to a press release.

“With the current spike in COVID-19 cases, we feel like the best decision for our community is to cancel,” organizers posted to its Facebook page about the Summerfest cancellation. “We hope that you will plan to join us for our Friday night fundraiser ... this will be a smaller, more limited, ticketed event that includes a food ticket for a BBQ dinner catered by D.B.A. Barbecue.”

The Virginia-highland Civic Association is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization that helps maintain Virginia-highland as one of the most livable urban communities in the United States. The VHCA leads and supports planning and zoning initiatives and the development and maintenance of North Highland Park along with other neighborhood initiatives, such as recent improvements to John Howell Park, sidewalks, safety, lighting and crime prevention programs. The VHCA also provides financial support to local schools, the public library, the historic firehouse and other organizations serving Virginia-highland residents.

The event is 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at John C. Howell Park, 797 Virginia Avenue NE. Admission is $25 per person; $10 for children 10 and under.

Tickets: www.freshtix.com/ events/summerfest-kick-off-party

Information: www.vahisummerfest.org/