Jim Fetter knows something about building blocks.

He owns a masonry business, you know.

So he understands the importance of a strong foundation. Of a well-laid plan. Of having all the materials.

And, perhaps, above all, Fetter knows what will keep things together, and what makes them fall apart.

He has used some of his skills as a builder to put together a charity concert he described as a win-win. The MizzJam Festival of Hope 2007 will feature local bands and several events for kids and adults. That's one "win." The other is that all the proceeds from the gate will be given to charity. Ticket money will be split between the Abused Adult Resource Center and the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

"Everybody comes out a winner," Fetter said. "I benefit by getting activity out there, and the money goes to good causes."

The festival will be held from noon to 1 a.m. May 12 at the Missouri Valley Fairgrounds in east Bismarck. Tickets are $10.

The concert portion of the festival will include three bands - Road Trip, ZuZu and River Jam. Thunder Nights will serve as disc jockey.

The AARC also is sponsoring a dodgeball tournament, which will run from noon to 4 p.m. Individuals or teams of six or more can enter by calling Alicia Wagner at 222-8370 or by e-mailing her at aliciaw@;btinet.net. The deadline to enter is May 4.

Inflatable toys, face painting and other activities will be available for children at no charge. Kids younger than 12 will be admitted to the festival for free, provided they're accompanied by an adult.

"We're hoping to see a lot of children out there," said Diane Zainhofsky, executive director of the AARC. "We're about families, and so having all the activities for kids is such a nice extra addition to the festival."

A silent auction will be held, and concessions will be available all day. Fetter also will set up two areas for campers, one for free and a closer, reserved section for $5.

Fetter hopes to make a lot of money for the nonprofit organizations, and also wants to get the MizzJam name out there.

"(The fairgrounds) were dormant for so many years, and I wanted to help develop it,"Fetter said. "I wanted to do a fundraiser and, at the same time, get my name out there, because I'd like to do as many concerts as I can out there. I'm a Vietnam vet, so I wanted to do something for the cemetery. And somebody mentioned the Abused Adult Resource Center, so I called them, too."

Part of the proceeds will be used to buy a plaque for the cemetery. The bulk of the money, Fetter said, will go to the AARC, which is promoting and partially staffing the event. Zainhofsky said the Festival of Hope is the first such benefit for her organization, which makes the majority of its money from its Christmas store at the Seeds of Hope Thrift Store.

Fetter said anyone who has an item to donate for the silent auction, or anyone who would like to volunteer to help at the festival, can call him at 258-9789.

Tickets for the festival are available at Seeds of Hope, Herberger's, Dan's Supermarkets, Laure's Banner & Print Studio, Nightlife Music & Limousine, Spa d'Athena, The Shop and Urban Girl Beads &Gifts.

For more information, go to www.mizzjam.com.