SARANAC LAKE — Pendragon Theatre is holding its annual summer fundraiser for the first time as a virtual gala with online entertainment, auctions, raffles and more.

Until Pendragon Theatre is given the green light to open safely, it has found creative ways to negotiate these challenging times, including online video-streaming of archived productions, Zoom plays, puppetry workshops and a “safe distance” theater camp for young actors.

All the online gala events are free and began Wednesday with a silent auction. On Saturday there will be a live auction preview and bidding. Auction items include artwork, restaurant gift certificates and a pristine 1914 Old Town canoe.

Fifty-fifty raffle tickets and tickets for a grand raffle with a jackpot of $5,000 are currently on sale at pendragongala.givesmart.com. Events run through Aug. 15, when the virtual gala begins at 6 p.m. with a livestreamed event, including the last opportunities for auction bidding led by auctioneer Doug Stinson, entertainment including shout-outs from old and new friends, and a special tribute segment for Pendragon’s 2020 honoree, Harrison Ewing.

There will also be pre-gala online entertainment Aug. 12 through 14, hosted by Jordan Hornstein, Laura Jean Swanson and Tyler Nye, and featuring Pendragon stage alumni.

Pendragon is coordinating with local restaurants to offer their menus through the run of the event, and some are offering special gala meals for take-out on the evening of Aug. 15.

This year all the funds raised will support Pendragon’s community programming for youth and adults, including school programs, online play readings, the veterans Improv Ensemble and new initiatives that highlight local history and the people of the Adirondacks and North Country.

All of the gala events — including auction preview and bidding, raffle ticket purchases and entertainment — can be accessed for free by registering at pendragongala.givesmart.com.