Hope is on the way this weekend. And it is taking the form of food, fun and fine wine. The fifth annual Gateway to Hope is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Brenau University.

The fundraising event will be held in Yonah Hall and will feature wine tasting, fine foods, live music and silent and live auctions for beach vacations, mountain getaways, specialty items and more.

Through crisis intervention, comprehensive support services and community collaboration, Gateway Domestic Violence Center helps create an environment for safe, healthy, self-sufficient growth and violence prevention. Each year Gateway Domestic Violence Center provides services to more than 1,000 women and children who are fleeing abuse at home.

Gateway seeks to help victims live self sufficiently in a home free of violence. Services include an emergency shelter with a 24/7 hotline, transitional housing, support groups and classes, legal advocacy, children's programs and domestic violence education in local schools.

Gateway could not operate without the ongoing support of the community, and Friday's festivities go to help fund the vital programs addressing domestic violence in the Hall County area.

Gateway to Hope Tickets are $75 per person and attire is casual. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 770-539-9080. Online reservations can also be made by visiting the website.