The Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group’s annual spring gala celebration, An Evening under the Stars, welcomes guests on Thursday, May 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mediterranean on Beach Road in Oak Bluffs.

With beverages, hot and cold hors d’oeuvre, and music by the Mike Benjamin band, the gala is “casual elegance,” and the price of admission includes door prizes and gift bags.

The cancer support group is in its 24th year helping Vineyarders in two very important ways. There is a support group meeting for cancer patients and their families every Wednesday at noon at the Hebrew Center in Vineyard Haven. The group also provides financial assistance to Island cancer patients in need; since 2000, the group has given away over $250,000 to Vineyard families.

Run by a volunteer board of directors, the group has no paid staff. All monies raised go directly to Vineyard families living with cancer.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by mailing your check to MV Cancer Support Group, P.O. Box 2214, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or at the door on the evening of the gala. Admission is $100 per person. For further information on the benefit or applying for financial assistance, call board president Myra Stark at 508-693-8296 or e-mail her at quilt185@comcast.net.