An event next week will honor a longtime Lawrence philanthropist and raise money for the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center.

“An Evening with Tensie Oldfather and Friends” will be the fourth annual Bert Nash fall fundraiser. It will be Thursday evening at the Lawrence Holidome, 200 McDonald Drive.

“Throughout the community, Tensie has touched a lot of different aspects,” said Scott McMichael, community development director for Bert Nash. “She’s just one of those unique persons who cares about her community and gives for the right reasons.”

Oldfather, a Lawrence resident since 1950, is a longtime community volunteer and philanthropist. She established Oldfather Studios for the Kansas University theater and film department, the Haskell Museum and Cultural Center and the Kansas Public Radio building.

The evening starts with an open bar from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by dinner from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

The program, which starts at 7:45 p.m., includes a presentation by Oldfather and those who know her. The list includes Marnie Argersinger, Mike Davis, Web Golden, Monte Johnson, David Millstein, Jack Wright and Judy Wright.

Cost for the event is $125 per person, which includes the dinner and open bar. Dress is business casual.

Tickets can be reserved by calling Marilyn Sell at 830-1795.

“The list goes on and on as far as all the lives she’s touched here, not only locally but throughout the state,” McMichael said. “People who know her well know she doesn’t like to be in the limelight. This is a step up for her to be honored like this.”