By Amanda Raymond

amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY – Jacques Belliveau is passionate about helping different causes in the community, including Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.

“Prevent Child Abuse has always been close to my heart,” he said.

He has also always wanted to throw a ball, so he created an event that would satisfy both desires.

Jacques “Jack” Belliveau is hosting the second annual Jacques’ New Year’s Eve Gala on Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at Lee Street Theatre, 329 N. Lee St.

The proceeds from the gala will go to Prevent Child Abuse Rowan and the Terrie Hess House Child Advocacy Center.

The theme of the night is “Enchantment Under the Sea,” inspired by the movie “Back to the Future.”

Attendees are encouraged to wear prom attire from the 1950s, and Mambo Grill & Tapas will be serving a 50s-inspired menu.

There will be three live bands: Paper Wasps, Boomerang Eclipse Soundtrack and Bigg Break.

Belliveau is founder of Comics at Fault, a local comedy group, and also founded his own nonprofit foundation called The C.E. Riggleman Foundation to allow him to raise money for different causes.

Belliveau also organized “Comics at Fault present: Stand up against MS — A night of comedy” at the McGlohon Theatre in Charlotte to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society after a close friend died of multiple sclerosis.

Last year’s New Year’s Eve Gala for Prevent Child Abuse Rowan was sold out and raised $4,000. Belliveau said he wanted to make this year’s gala bigger and better.

He said the event is a way to give back to a great cause and have a fun, safe New Year’s Eve celebration.

“It’s going to be a really fun event,” he said.

Tickets are $30 and are available at www.eventbrite.com, Lee Street Theatre or at the Forum Fitness Center at 2318 S. Main St.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.