ATTLEBORO - For the fourth consecutive year, New Hope will host a special fun-filled evening to raise proceeds for its year-round domestic and sexual violence services.

This year's gala, black-tie optional, will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 28, at the Mansfield Holiday Inn, with a deadline of March 20 to order tickets.

Under the theme "A Vision of Hope," the event promises to evoke entertaining visions, featuring the antics of internationally renowned entertainer and mentalist Jon Stetson, who will dazzle the audience with mind-bending acts and comedic entertainment from his "I Know What You Are Thinking" show.

The event also will include a complimentary signature cocktail, called the "Tarot-tini," hors d'oeuvres, roving tarot card readers, dinner, dancing, a silent and live auction and desserts showcased by local pastry chefs.

But even more importantly, as with each gala, the event will support a worthy cause, according to New Hope Executive Director Kimberly Thomas, who says this year's event theme is particularly fitting.

"With statistics of domestic violence and domestic homicides reaching record highs this past year alone, New Hope's programs and services are needed more than ever," Thomas said. "We need to ensure that safety, support and services are provided to each survivor of domestic and sexual violence who needs them, and this gala is one important means of ensuring that New Hope can continue to do that."

New Hope serves 56 cities and towns throughout Southeastern and Central Massachusetts, under the mission of strengthening individuals and families by ending domestic and sexual violence.

The non-profit agency provides several domestic and sexual violence services, including a 24-hour sexual assault and domestic violence hotline, two emergency shelters, counseling services, court-based legal advocacy programs, a transitional living program, as well as batterer and at-risk youth intervention services.

"By attending this gala, guests will not only enjoy a wonderful evening - they will also be making a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic and sexual violence within our community," Thomas said.

"Their attendance is not only a testament of their commitment to New Hope's mission, but will go a long way in helping us to achieve that mission. Their contribution will not only benefit New Hope, but more importantly, the survivors who rely on our services."

In addition to silent auction items, such as jewelry and autographed sports memorabilia, guests will have an opportunity to bid on live auction items such as:

Red Sox Tickets in grandstand seats.

Baseballs autographed by Boston Red Sox player Mike Lowell and former player and star of the 1967 Impossible Dream team, shortstop Rico Petrocelli.

A New England Patriots package, including tickets, parking pass and a post-game buffet with team members. A behind-the-scenes tour of Symphony Hall with renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra violinist Victor Romanul, and tickets to Boston Symphony Orchestra or other performance of bidder's choice.

Fifteen tickets to an April 2008 Pawtucket Red Sox game, in the Luxury Box Suite.

A behind-the-scenes tour of the set of the Broadway musical "The Drowsy Chaperone" at the Providence Performing Arts Center with tickets and a poster autographed by the cast.

A four-course, private in-home dinner prepared by Chef Raymond Norman.

A three-day/two-night stay at the Buena Vista Hotel & Spa at Downtown Disney in Orlando, Fla.

A Foxwoods Casino overnight stay in a deluxe room, with dinner at a casino restaurant of bidder's choice.

Janette Sears can be reached by phone or fax at 508-222-2442 or by e-mail at janette@janettesears.com.