The New England Produce Council has announced that the theme for the 2020 dinner dance, set to take place Saturday, Feb. 1, at the World Trade Center/Seaport Hotel in Boston, is Mardi Gras.

"The annual dinner dance event is strictly a social event when members may bring their significant others for a night of fine dining, dancing and great company," said NEPC Executive Director Laura Sullivan. With over 230 attendees including many New England retailers, it's a night to remember.

NEPC partners with Friends of Boston Homeless at this event through an annual sock drive. Each guest is encouraged to donate a pair of socks at the event, which are then delivered to Friends of Boston Homeless. In the past, NEPC has donated over 1,200 pairs of much-needed socks to the Friends of Boston Homeless. These socks are distributed to area shelters for men, women and children.

According to Mariann Bucina Roca, executive director for Friends of Boston Homeless, the sock drive comes at a perfect time of year as the temperature is going to drop with storms in the midst. "Thank you so much for your continued support of our community's vulnerable people," Roca said in the release. "Your donations will not only help keep people experiencing homelessness safe and warm, but will also help them maintain their comfort and dignity."

Anthony Sattler, president of the NEPC board of directors, said, "We are very proud to assist Friends of Boston Homeless with this sock drive, and we look to continue our community outreach throughout the year."

NEPC continues this night of donations by presenting a check to the Greater Boston Food Bank in conjunction with The Nolan Family Foundation.

"The data is alarming: one in 11 residents in eastern Massachusetts is food insecure; they don't know where their next meal is coming from," Cheryl Schondek, senior vice president of the Greater Boston Food Bank, added in the release. "One in nine is a child. With your ongoing support, we can change that staggering statistic. Last year, GBFB distributed over 68.5 million pounds of healthy food to 530 member agencies in 190 cities and towns. Over 35 percent is fresh produce. Thanks to NEPC for your ongoing support of the mission to end hunger here."

To purchase tickets online or for more information, visit www.newenglandproducecouncil.com.