For the third year, the Canton Community Foundation is partnering with Emagine Theatres to raise money for Gleaners Community Food Bank through the “Magical Night with the Stars” benefit.

The party takes place Jan. 30 at Emagine Canton, and the $75 ticket includes drinks, dinner and a movie. The money raised goes to the foundation, which in turns provides funds to Gleaners in the form of a grant.

“Feeding the hungry is a great thing to do,” said Ruth Daniels, senior vice president of sales and marketing and Emagine Theatres.

"Magical Night with the Stars" will begin with an elegant strolling dinner, prepared by Plymouth-based caterer Jeff Zak, in the theater’s lobby, Daniels said. After dinner, attendees may choose to watch one of the first-run movies playing at Emagine that evening, such as Meet the Fockers or Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I.

Last year's event drew 150 people, said Daniels, and this year she hopes even more will attend.

Paul Glantz, owner of Emagine Theatres, really wanted to host a fundraising event at the theater, said Joan Noricks, president of the Canton Community Foundation. Last year's "Magical Night with the Stars" raised nearly $9,000, she said.

“This event is about neighbors helping neighbors,” Noricks said, adding that while corporate sponsorship at fundraisers has decreased in recent years, participation from individuals has increased.

DeWayne Wells, president of Gleaners, praised the Canton Community Foundation's creative approach to helping. “This event is a great venue for getting out the message in the glitz of the Oscars," Wells said. "I applaud them.”

In previous years, the fundraiser has been held on the same night as the Academy Awards. Some attendees have dressed up as stars such as  Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. This year's benefit is earlier than the March 25 Oscars, but the gala retains its movie theme.

Although Gleaners is headquartered in Detroit, several nonprofit groups throughout the metro area help support it. For example, Open Door Ministry on Ford Road works with Gleaners to provide food for needy families.

Gleaners and the Canton Community Foundation work together throughout the year, Wells said. Last year's joint projects included a health care meeting about the status of uninsured patients in Canton.

"Magical Night with the Stars" begins at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 with a cocktail reception, followed by a strolling dinner and desserts from 6:30 to 8 p.m. After that, attendees may see a movie of their choice, with unlimited free popcorn and pop.

Tickets cost $75. The deadline for reservations in Jan. 28. To register, call 734-495-1200 or visit Canton Community Foundation’s website. Canton Emagine Theatre is located at 39535 Ford Rd.