Members of a group that advocated against closing any Lawrence elementary schools during budget cut discussions earlier this year are organizing a fundraiser to help the district.

Save Our Neighborhood Schools will sponsor “Celebrating Education: A Community Fundraiser for Lawrence Public Schools” from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday at Abe and Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St.

“We want to support the schools and the kids, and we know the district and teachers and schools all took some pretty hard hits with these budget cuts,” said Jessica Beeson, a Cordley School parent and event organizer. “Anything we can do to help. We want to be at the table. We’d like to partner with the school board.”

In March, board members opted not to close any elementary schools for next year as part of $4.6 million in budget cuts. A community task force will study the district’s elementary facilities in the next year.

During the discussion, members of Save Our Neighborhood Schools mentioned helping with private fundraising.

Friday’s event will be family-friendly. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.saveourneighborhoodschools.com or at the door Friday. Bands will perform. Creators of the Lawrence High School “lip dub” video will make a presentation. Snacks will be served, and a cash bar will be available.

Other than the cost of the ticket, anyone who attends can donate to the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s funds for excellence grants, which can be earmarked for things like the fine arts or technology.

Beeson said organizers — who raised about $1,200 at a recent rummage sale — hope to raise about $3,000 at Friday’s event.