There are only a handful of tickets remaining for this weekend’s Grand Gala black-tie fundraiser for the Grand Foundation.

This year’s event has been organized in a new format at a new location, featuring a progressive-style four-course dinner throughout various venues at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort.

Instead of the standard seated dinner, the venue is designed to carry the 400 guests through three distinctive settings at the ranch, to experience unique menus prepared by the ranch’s Executive Chef Ken Ohlinger, musical entertainment, and tempting auction items to benefit the philanthropic organization.

The new format will create more chances to mingle and socialize.

Festivities begin at Heck’s with cocktails and light appetizers. There will be complimentary beverages and cash bar. As they socialize, guests may view art on display for silent auction.

The next course will be served at the Broad Axe Barn — barbecue-style, heavier hors d’oeuvres and the main entrée, as well as complimentary beverages and cash bar. This year’s main entrée are “steamship” rounds of bison rubbed with rosemary, brown sugar and bourbon. Another station of the silent auction will be set up in the Broad Axe Barn.

Later in the evening, the room will be host to the Gala’s “Big Board Attraction,” the sultry blues music of Tempa and the Tantrums from 9:30 to 11 p.m.

Guests are also invited to stroll over to the Ranch House Restaurant “where the gentle strings of a solo guitarist provide an intimate setting for conversation and aperitifs.” Local musician Gary Key is scheduled to play 8 to 10 p.m. as patrons sample signature desserts and breakfast-type canapés.

Major event sponsors include Granby Ranch, Grand Elk Ranch & Club, Boxwell Construction, Grand Mountain Bank, Millennium Bank, Orvis/Shorefox and Winter Park Resort.

Founded in 1996 (as the Columbine Foundation), the Grand Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Grand County by proactively addressing current and future needs in the areas of health and human services, art and culture, education, amateur sports and environment.

The group facilitates philanthropy by fostering and building donor relationships in order to act as a catalyst for community investment and involvement. Their events raise awareness and funds that, in combination with donor-advised funds and planned giving initiatives, enables them to provide grants to support qualified local non-profits.

Each year, the Foundation’s Grand Gala committee chooses a non-profit organization as the event beneficiary. This year, the committee (Theresa Cinocco, Keri Dornbusch, Megan Ledin, Sheri Lock, Clarisse McGowan, Antoinette McVeigh, Judy Neiberger, Ron Nelson, Sandy Salyards and Helen Sedlar) chose the Grand County Historical Association as the recipient. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the local organization, which maintains three museums in Grand County and preserves the area’s rich history.