The community is getting together for a cause this weekend: to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s.

Tonight, “Making Memories,” an Alzheimer’s dinner and dance fundraiser, will kick-off to spotlight Alzheimer’s, a disease that more than 5 million Americans are living with, according to the Alzheimer’s Association website.

One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, and every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops the disease, the website reads.

In North Carolina, 160,000 people are projected to have the disease in 2016. By year 2025, that number will rise to 210,000 people, according to the website. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death in the state, and other dementias, is estimated to total $236 billion in 2016, increasing to $1.1 trillion by mid-century, the website said.

The event, set for 6-11 p.m. at the Washington Civic Center, is organized by First Bank of Washington, according to branch manager and event co-chair Melissa Jarvis. A silent auction will be held, as will a live auction and door prizes, and entertainment provided by The Main Event Band will start around 8 p.m.

“First Bank is honored to be a part of the Alzheimer’s NC organization,” Jarvis said. “All the money stays within North Carolina and goes to Alzheimer’s NC. We’re just organizing this event as a way to raise money for Alzheimer’s.”

Not only is the initiative a worthy cause, but Helen Taitt, another First Bank employee, and Jarvis have had family members affected by Alzheimer’s, Jarvis said.

“When you talk to people whose loved ones have had it, it’s really sad because you hear what people go through. (The fundraiser) is a lot of work, but it’s worth it. It makes you feel good,” Jarvis said.

Tickets for the event cost $35 per person.

The Washington Civic Center is located at 110 Gladden St. in Washington.