Want to cut a rug for a good cause?

If so, the folks behind Pasco County’s Safety Town would love to have you turn out at a benefit Saturday, Jan. 19 at the New Port Richey Elks Lodge, 7201 Congress St. The Elks are helping play host to a dinner and dance with proceeds benefitting the educational  facility.

Safety Town is a nonprofit educational facility at 15325 Alric Pottberg Road in Spring Hill. While it’s supported by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the operation is funded through donations, explained Cpl. Creg Bell.

Each year, Safety Town plays host to about 6,000 Pasco County school children in an effort to teach them important, potentially life-saving lessons, Bell said. The facility consists of grounds that are dotted with child-sized buildings, including a replica of Dade City’s historic courthouse and a miniature home that’s dedicated to teaching lessons about storm and fire safety. The nonprofit partners with Pasco County Schools in the venture and all lessons are curriculum-based, Bell said.

“Our goal here is to teach kids safety lessons,” Bell explained.

In addition to pint-sized visitors, Safety Town also plays host to about 4,000 adults a year that use the facility’s conference center for events.

Bell is the only official at Safety Town that receives a salary. Everyone else is a volunteer, he said.

Saturday’s event is hoped to raise money needed to help fund the programs and upkeep of the facility.

Tickets for the dinner and dance are $15 per person. Dinner includes chicken and pork and will be served up by Safety Town personnel starting at 6 p.m. To find out about tickets, call Bell at 813-929-1203 or the Elk’s at 727-846-8012.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation without attending the dinner, can mail a check payable to Pasco Safety Town to P.O. Box 1285, New Port Richey, FL 34656.

Volunteers are also always needed Bell said. More information about Safety Town and volunteering is available on the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office website.