The event, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight, will be held in a carpeted tent — complete with a French door entry, windows and a cathedral-style ceiling — at Central Park. The tickets are $175 per person and include a night of dinner, dancing and auctions.

Proceeds will go toward the cost of the Sept. 9-10 admission-free main event celebrating Fremont.

The evening, which is black-tie optional, will begin with dinner catered by Rick Serriani of Splurge Catering. The menu features a roasted fillet of beef with blue cheese crumble, Parmesan-crusted chicken breast, winter greens with cranberries, roasted potatoes and a vegetable medley. A vegetarian option, pasta, also will be available.

The good eating doesn't stop with dinner. A 51/2-foot-tall cake has been created by Vienna Bakery & Cafe of Fremont to help commemorate Fremont's golden anniversary.

Following dinner and dessert will be a performance by contemporary Bay Area band Groove Doctors, which will play a variety of songs suitable for all generations.

Fremont artist Jan Schafir will kick off one of two auctions taking place at the gala with the auction of her painting of Mission Peak. A local jeweler also has designed a commemorative jewelry piece representing the past, present and future of Fremont that will be awarded to the highest bidder.

Those who have donated between $1,000 and $50,000 to the celebration will have access to a VIP reception at 5:45 p.m. featuring hors d'oeuvres and hosted cocktails.

What's next

WHAT: Gala fund-raiser

WHY: Kickoff to Fremont's 50th anniversary celebration

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to midnight Jan. 20

WHERE: Central Park, Fremont

INFO: (510) 790-9352 or visit http://www.celebratefremont.org