A local initiative combining affordable housing and urban farming takes center stage at an upcoming gala. The Bensley Agrihood Planning Project (BAPP) hosts the event Saturday, Oct. 19, to review progress and discuss future plans for a proposed development in North Chesterfield.

The gala, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Len, an event space inside the C’est le Vin wine bar, will serve as a chance for the group to acknowledge community contributions and outline its vision for sustainable living.

The project has been advocating for affordable housing, wellness and community farming development in North Chesterfield.

In June, after nearly 600 days and four deferrals by the Chesterfield County Planning Commission, the organizers of Bensley Agrihood — Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, Happily Natural Day and Girls For A Change — pulled their zoning proposal. But work at the site has continued. The event will showcase the project’s achievements and upcoming phases.

The evening will feature opening remarks, acknowledgments from project members and a raffle drawing. Attendees are encouraged to wear culturally appropriate attire, ranging from smart casual to semiformal.

General admission is free with RSVP, with the first 35 attendees receiving a complimentary drink ticket. VIP donor tickets are available for $50, including a drink ticket, raffle ticket and promotional items.

The project, an initiative of Happily Natural Day, Girls For A Change and Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, aims to build a sustainable community centered around access to healthy food and supporting young women of color in the Richmond region. Plans include a working organic farm and fruit orchard as the centerpiece of homeownership opportunities in the Bensley neighborhood of Chesterfield County.

Funds raised will support ongoing efforts beyond the current USDA grant. For more information visit the event’s Eventbrite page.