The Empowerment Factory, a community nonprofit dedicated to empowering children with the skills they need to lead happier and healthier lives since 2014, will host its annual fundraising event entitled Meet Me at The MET from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on May 6 at The MET in the Hope Artiste Village, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with local food, fun, raffles, and live music from The New Providence Big Band.

“The best investment of time and treasure is in our youth,” says revered business leader Cheryl Merchant, the chair of the event and a longtime supporter of the organization’s work in the community, especially in assisting local, low-income families. “That is why I support The Empowerment Factory. It works every day to ensure our young people are happy, healthy and empowered. The work The Empowerment Factory does for children’s mental and emotional well-being is making a tremendous impact on young lives.”

In addition to a raffle at the event, an online auction will open on March 31 for supporters to bid on weekend getaways, local designer items, theatre tickets and more.

The Empowerment Factory provides programming and events for elementary students primarily in Pawtucket, Central Falls and Providence. Its unique approach to supporting at-risk students is achieved through accessible enrichment programming that blends social emotional learning, art, literacy and environmental education to engage children in learning. In its 12-year history, the organization has provided more than 10,000 youth with free community programming to place them on a positive learning trajectory.

Cost: $50. Location: 1005 Main St., Pawtucket. For more information or to obtain tickets, call 401-365-1010, email [email protected] or visit EmpowermentFactory.org.