EVANSTON — Held annually in May, the local Soroptomist group sponsors an evening of short films by and about women called “Lunafest.” This fundraising event traditionally brings many local women together for a night of entertainment, socializing, the fun of bidding on silent auction items, and enjoying desserts and wine.

Soroptomist Katie Beppler told the Herald that due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Lunafest evening this year will be live streaming online. It will be aired from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, with a VIP discussion time following. Tickets will be made available online at Lunafest.org for $5 a person for the films and $15 a person for VIP. Twenty-four hours prior to the opening of Lunafest films, those who purchase tickets will receive a link via email to watch the films. Proceeds from ticket purchases will be given to the Soroptomists for its Dream Program.

Soroptomist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to gain economic empowerment through the Dream Program. Many local women have received Soroptomist scholarships for education and training at the annual awards dinner.  For more information regarding the online Lunafest, contact local Soroptomist Chair Jessica Kendrick at jessica.kendrick@gmail.com

“We are sorry that we aren’t able to host the event live this year,” Beppler said, “but we are happy to have this option to be able to see the films. We hope to have a silent auction fundraiser later when the pandemic is contained and it is safe.”