SARANAC LAKE — A fundraiser will be held on Mount Pisgah on Friday to raise money to help women attend retreats offered by the Creative Healing Connections.

The retreats are held in August and September and are for female veterans, and women suffering chronic illness and cancer, respectively. Gail Brill, president of Creative Healing Connections, said some of the veterans have difficulty affording the retreat, and some are homeless and come from a homeless shelter for veterans. Some of the women who attend the cancer and chronic illness retreat also have difficulty affording the cost to attend, as they are paying their medical costs. Each retreat costs $399.

Creative Healing Connections is a small, local, 20-year-old not-for-profit that was founded by Fran Yardley and Naj Wikoff. This is the 11th year it has held the veterans retreat and the 20th year it has held the cancer and chronic illness retreat. Through creative activities, the retreats attempt to help the women express themselves and work on their self-awareness.

The fundraiser, called the Black Fly Dance Party, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. and will cost $10 per person. Food will be provided, and there will be a raffle for a basket of wine. There will be a DJ playing music. Music suggestions are currently being taken, according to Brill. Lake Placid Pub and Brewery has donated a keg for the event. The fundraiser will be held in the lodge on Mount Pisgah rain or shine, according to Brill.

“It’s a good time to get out and shake off the winter,” Brill said.