GULF SHORES — This year, the Christian Service Center's (CSC) Blossoms of Hope Gala raised over $350,000 in funding for all CSC projects, with that value expected to rise as donations are still being counted.

The gala is annually held in the middle of November at Perdido Beach Resort with typically around 400 guests enjoying a silent and live auction, fashion show, dinner, live music by Jesse and The Jets and a champagne bubble bar.

Janice Moss, board vice president at the CSC, explained how the center "provides food and emergency financial assistance to low-income families and individuals in the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan area."

Blossoms of Hope is the biggest fundraiser for CSC. Terri Long, owner of Wildflowers Boutique, which helps to organize the event, said the gala has been going on for 12 years and has grown every year.

"The first year, we barely reached $4,000," Long said. "With the support of our amazing community, it's grown into a six-digit figure the last three years."

Long said Blossoms of Hope used to be called Toys 4 Kids and specifically raised money for the CSC's Christmas Cheer program and provided 400-600 children from low-income families with Christmas presents.

Now, the gala raises funds for the center as a whole with money going to programs like Christmas Cheer as well as the Birthday Club and the Summer Backpack food programs. Long said some funding will also go to the new storage building the center is planning to start building soon.

"100% of funds raised will be used for all CSC programs, including those especially for children," Long said. "The center is an all-volunteer agency; there are no salaries, (and) no one is paid."

Long and Moss both said the gala is a great event for bringing the community together to support the center. Long said most of the sponsors have been partnered with the event since the beginning.

The CSC's Christmas Cheer program is currently underway with in-person registration in November and December on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. through Dec. 12. The CSC is located at 317 Dolphin Ave in Gulf Shores.