Set for July 13 is the annual Caring Connections Auxiliary Ice Cream Social, raising funds for the organization in Benton Harbor that helps families in need.

The auxiliary’s Jane Sykora tells us this is the 57th ice cream social.

“This is our major fundraiser,” Sykora said. “We raise funds for the Caring Connections, which is for the Empowerment Center — formerly known as Cora Lamping, or the Women’s Shelter — as well as the Adult Day Centers in Benton Harbor and Paw Paw, Safe and Secure, and Caring Connections Guardianship.”

Sykora says the auxiliary last year was able to raise enough to help create a homework room for children stating at the domestic violence shelter. This year, they’re hoping to raise money for new security cameras.

A $5 donation is requested of those who attend the ice cream social.

“The members of the auxiliary provide homemade cakes and pies to go with the ice cream. The donation is $5 and you get your choice of cake or pie and ice cream.”

Sykora says Caring Connections started in 1891 as a child welfare organization and has grown over the years, changing names a few times. Some still know it as Child and Family Services.

The women of the auxiliary meet each month to discuss how they can continue supporting Caring Connection services. Their ice cream social will be at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library in St. Joseph on Sunday, July 13 from 10:30 to 4:30. Everyone’s invited.