VALPARAISO | Another big event has been added to the city's agenda of downtown attractions: the fourth annual Mayor's Charity Ball.

Previously held at the Porter County Expo Center, this year's ball will be held Sept. 18 from 7 to 11 p.m. on the site of the planned downtown park at Lafayette Street and Indiana Avenue. Instead of the elegant surroundings of the Expo Center, this year's ball will be held in the elegant surroundings of a tent.

"We're excited to announce these plans and look forward to welcoming everyone to our beautiful and vibrant downtown," Mayor Jon Costas said in a letter sent to local businesses asking them to help sponsor the event.

"We will be innovative, as we feature a spectacular evening of delectable foods, jazz and live auction opportunities, all to benefit local nonprofit organizations and our downtown park," he said.

Last year's charity event raised $35,000, which was evenly split among four area nonprofits. This year's ball will raise money for First Contact, the Porter County Family Counseling Center and the new park itself.

The park will be built on the site of the vacant Lafayette Center, which the city bought last month and plans to demolish later this month. The site will be temporarily seeded in hopes of holding activities there in the fall while the park itself is being designed by a consultant.

A consultant is expected to be chosen within 30 days, and the park will be built in 2009. It will be a multipurpose park capable of hosting a variety of events, possibly including outdoor movies in the summer. Other funding options are being explored, including the use of county economic development income tax revenue.

Sponsorship levels are available from $500 to $3,000, and the deadline for submitting them is Aug. 11. The Porter County Community Foundation will serve as the fund managers.