The community is invited to participate in a second round of paint and libations, as members of Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services (DASAS) hosts the return of their popular wine and canvas fundraiser Thursday.

The event takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Dowagiac Elks Lodge, located at 300 Riverside Dr., Dowagiac. Registration for the event costs $35, with all necessary supplies, including aprons, canvas, paint and brushes provided by organizers.

Providing the painting lesson for the evening will once again be U Can Paint 2, with attendees being shown step-by-step how to create a winter scene. Up to 40 percent of the proceeds from the event will go toward DASAS, which will use the money for their general operating fund, said Director Kim Kramer.

Similar to the last event, participants can enjoy a casual evening out with friends or family, as they “brush-up” on their painting skills while enjoying some wine and desserts provided by DASAS volunteers, Kramer said. Representatives will also be sharing some information about the support services the organization provides to Cass, Van Buren and St. Joseph county families affected by domestic violence.

“So much of what we do is very heartbreaking and intense, so it’s nice when we can have events that are laidback and fun, but still provide an outlet for people to learn more about us,” Kramer said.

The area support organization, based out of Three Rivers, teamed up with U Can Paint 2 for the first time last October, holding the event out at the Lions Club in Dowagiac. The collaboration proved to be monumental success, with 82 people registering to attend, more than double their original expectation, Krammer said.

“A lot of the people who showed up didn’t know a lot about us, or didn’t know anything about us…this was a new way for them to connect to us,” she said.

DASAS raised more than $1,300 from the first event, and are hoping to raise an additional $600 to $700 from this one to bring them to their $2,000 goal they set for both events, the director said.

The organization has several other new things in store for the community this year as well, including a new Survivor Stomp race that is scheduled to take place April 30 at Russ Forrest Park. The fundraiser will feature both a 5K and 1.4 mile walk in the wooded trails of the Cass County park, located just outside Dowagiac.

To register for Thursday’s event, people can either visit http://u-canpaint2.com or they can call (574) 387-3839.