Dust off your tux, tie on your mask, or just slap on a pair of old, worn blue jeans, the third Annual Beaumont Pardi Gras is here and it’s for a good cause.

The annual event begins at 7 p.m. tonight at the Beaumont Civic Center. Tickets are $26 apiece and tables are $208. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or at the door.

“It’s a Mardi Gras-themed party held at the civic center and the reason for the party are twofold,” Emmett Hollier, event organizer, said. “One is to get people excited for Mardi Gras, which is happening in Port Arthur in two weeks.

“Two is, we have a foundation here, the Southeast Texas Circle of Hope.”

Hollier is the founder of Circle of Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that seeks to benefit people in need of medical, funeral, or natural disaster funds.

“We’ve helped 55 plus families since we were founded in 2010,” Hollier said. “All the money raised from any particular benefit goes straight to those in need.”

Hollier said the profits raised from Pardi Gras goes toward operating funds for Circle of Hope; and, in turn, all the proceeds generated during the year from Circle of Hope goes directly toward the affected families and individuals in need.

Of course, as part of Hollier’s twofold intention for Pardi Gras, attendees could also expect a lively time when they go to the big party.

“It’ll be a big Mardi Gras atmosphere,” Hollier said. “The band for the night will be Champagne Room, one of the best dance bands in the area.”

The dress attire for the event is officially “whatever you’re comfortable with.”

According to Hollier, the complimentary course of the night is the Cajun staple red beans and rice. Additionally, there will be vendors selling concessions outside the event serving gumbo and other types of food for those wanting something more.

The turnout for the event has also been on the rise, according to Hollier.

“The first year we had it, it was roughly 800 people. The next, it increased to about 1,000. Now, we’re looking at 1,200 people so far and we’re still selling.”

In Hollier’s view, that could speak to Southeast Texans’ desire to help and to have fun.

“Fortunately, we live in the Southeast Texas area where people’s hearts are very big and they want to help those in need,” Hollier said. “They want to provide folks with something, and $26 is not much to enjoy yourself.”