It’s time to take those sequined slinky dresses off of their hangers and those suits out of their garment bags. Next Friday, Nov. 12, is this semester’s Linus event, “Ballin’ for Linus,” which will take place at Lumen downtown and serves a good cause.

Washington University alumnus Jon Dembling founded the Linus Foundation in 2005 as a senior, and the foundation’s bi-annual functions continue to engage the entire community. The party provides an open bar, swanky band and tasty hors d’oeuvres, with all proceeds being donated to charity. So, you’ll personally be helping out the community by attending.

According to the Linus Foundation’s mission statement, “Linus orchestrates high-quality benefits and innovative programs that result in an outpouring of support for local charities in every community with a Linus Branch.” This year’s charity for St. Louis is Books and Basketball, a tutoring service run for children at three elementary schools in the greater St. Louis area that combines academic and social activities.

Many students attend Linus for its trendy and classy atmosphere. It’s the best time of the year to take fashion risks, so if you’ve had flamboyantly colored tights in your closet that you have been hesitant to put on, it’s time to wear them!

This year’s band, BOOM, has been around for 13 years and knows how to thrill an audience. When they’re not performing at private events, BOOM can be found gracing the stage at Harry’s and never fails to get everyone out on the dance floor.

If your legs need a little break, you can always stop to munch and mingle over the hors d’oeuvres provided by Companion and some of our other favorite local eateries. There will also be a raffle giving away great prizes like a free tour and beer tasting at the Schafly Brewery for you and 10 friends.

This year’s venue, Lumen, has been very successful for past Linus events, and we see no reason why this year should be any different. Lumen is owned by the same group that brought us Mandarin and Pepper Lounge and offers an equally cool and modern ambiance. The impressive 20-foot ceilings seem endless and are bordered by glowing blue floor-to-ceiling windows. The contemporary yet elegant upstairs lounge is just right for mingling, and the satellite bars make drinking extremely accessible—no matter the crowd.

Buses will be provided from Brookings Hall to Lumen, so everyone is guaranteed a safe ride. Be sure to purchase your tickets for $50 this week in the DUC or online at www.linusfoundation.org/st-louis-branch. Get them well in advance because Linus is notorious for selling out.

As this year’s Linus team said, “If you want an escape from the routine of the Wash. U. social life, if you want amazing, classy fun while benefiting an incredible charity—come on out to Linus!”