By Emily Reed/Special to the Reporter 

Alabaster-based nonprofit organization Many Infinities is gearing up for its second-annual Polka Dot Party fundraiser Feb. 18.

The event will be held at Venue 31 in Pelham, and will begin at 6 p.m. to bring awareness to those with autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases.

“We are really excited about the event this year, and look forward to having the community come out and have a good time,” said Deven Woods, founder and director of Many Infinities. “This year, we will be funding the Ruby L. Butler Patients Assistance Program. Through this program, we are working to meet the unique needs that arise as a result of an autoimmune diagnosis. Patients throughout Alabama may receive financial assistance, free grocery shopping and delivery, and home rehabs to ensure that autoimmune related disabilities do not prevent individuals from functioning in their homes as well as nutritional coaching and life advocacy.”

This year’s Polka Dot party will include two awards including the 2017 LIVE Award, which will be given to Dr. LaShelle French-Barmore, for her work in the medical field, which Woods said “goes above and beyond.”

The second award is a new award the organization created this year called the Infinity Award, which goes to a group that has helped in raising autoimmune awareness.

“This year, we are very proud to announce that Thompson High School will be the first recipient of the Infinity Award,” Woods said. “They have been so great in helping us, and we wanted to be able to thank them for all of their work. The purpose of this recognition is to publicly express our gratitude for their generosity and commitment to educating and supporting families in our community living with invisible illnesses.”

Woods said there will also be live music, food, and a silent auction with items such as dance lessons from Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Birmingham Barons tickets, four park hopper tickets for Disney World, and a stone massage package from Santa Fe Day Spa.

Gene Rowley with APH Radio will serve as the emcee for the event.

“Autoimmune awareness is something that is still very new to not only our community, but across the United States,” Woods said. “When you have individuals or groups that go out of their way to make sure people like me live in abundance, it really means a lot.”

Tickets for the event are $30 each, and can be purchased at www.manyinfinities.org or by calling 258-0222.