On Oct. 3, local artists plan to band together for a good cause. And this year, they’re hoping the turnout is huge.

Local artist and Art for the Cure creator Lisa Stirrett remembers the first year she tried the event. She didn’t have lights in her new studio location; she had to have her contractor rig lighting for the event. The flooring wasn’t quite set, and Stirrett was sure that high heels would dig in and leave their mark. But she wanted the event to happen anyway, and it did. It’s been going ever since, and Stirrett couldn’t be happier.

“We all cram in here pretty good,” she said, looking around her studio, now complete. “It takes the community. We need the community support.”

The third annual Art for the Cure will span three buildings — Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio, Oxford Suites and Reid Realty —to offer local artwork in raffles that benefit women’s health. Each raffle ticket will be $1, and visitors can enjoy wine, chocolates and shop at their leisure throughout the night. All proceeds benefit Harrison Medical Center Foundation’s Women’s Health Screening Fund, which helps women who cannot afford to get mammograms. The event will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the three locations.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how much money we can generate, said Susan Perkins, operations director for AMI, Women’s Diagnostic Center. Perkins is personally hoping the goal will raise about $3,000. Women in need of a mammogram who cannot afford one or have a lack of insurance may apply for a grant through the Harrison Medical Foundation, she said.

Perkins estimates that the center does 22,000 mammograms a year for women.

Stirrett has a lot of visitors at her studio who are cancer patients and she said she’s amazed at the stories she hears from survivors and fighters. In one week alone, she had three families visit her studio who told her about health concerns and breast cancer. Stirrett herself has also had two health scares.

“We hear stories here,” she said. “We hear heartbreak here.”

But Stirrett and others plan to bring hope and awareness to the October event, which also happens to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“It’s the opportunity to connect to other women who are supporting other women. It’s important to all of us as moms and daughters,” said Tina Bright, a local custom jewelry artist. “There’s a connection to the community. Especially being supported by small businesses.”

Bright participated the past two years and said she enjoyed being involved in the event for a cause.

Bright, who handcrafts all her jewelry through Kristina Marie Designs, plans to bring her pieces to be raffled off in the event. She took a hiatus from working shows, but she said she is looking forward to getting involved with showcasing her art again as well as helping the community. As a Salvation Army employee, she recognizes the need to help others in the area.

“It’s a great opportunity for all of us women to get together. Bring your husbands, too,” said Bright. “We’re here cause we care about each other. We’re our neighbor’s keeper.”

Joan Wells, a Poulsbo-based artist, said she is looking forward to being with other artists and showing her work.

“I’m always looking for places to go and show my work. Art walks are really good ways to that,” said Wells. “They’re easy and fun for everybody. When people have fun they’re more apt to donate.”

Wells said the art walk idea disappeared for a while, but then was brought on again by Stirrett. The idea behind the event is an important one to Wells, and she said it is part of the reason she is participating.

“When I was younger, we were taught that we weren’t as important as men … we needed to take care of them,” she said.

But now, Wells believes that equality is well overdue, especially in the realm of womens’ health services.

“Women need all the help they can get. I do believe women need a lot of help,” she said. “That’s why I think it is important to help support these kinds of events. I’m always happy to do that.”

Wells will offer specialized jewelry, including “ammo wear” which are bullet shells that Wells picks up from gun ranges to shape into earrings and pendants. The earrings are not dangerous, Wells said. She also plans to bring her “everything bags” and some paintings for raffle prizes.

Several different types of mediums will be offered, showcasing the work of a variety of artists. Attendees can expect sculptures, stone work, recycled glass, leather cuffs, equine gifts and more. The event will be located at 9536 Silverdale Way.

“I love the night of the event, the energy in the room,” said Stirrett. “It always feels good to do something for someone else.”