You might be asking yourself what a "draiser" is.

Or you might not.

Either way, you should know that it's the part that comes after fun. As in fundraiser.

That is the idea, at least, behind a unique plan to help raise money for support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Have fun at a dinner party, then give donations to a charitable organization.

The plan was developed by a Bismarck woman who recently moved here from South Carolina.

Gwyn Ridenhour, now a professional mom, used to be a full-time fundraiser for nonprofits in the Carolinas. In the aftermath of the hurricane, which devastated New Orleans and so much of the Gulf Coast, Ridenhour decided she could use her talents to help.

Her "Dining with Friends" concept is simple: Host a dinner party and invite as many guests as you'd like. Ask the guests to bring whatever money they would typically spend on an evening on the town. They give the money to the host, who then donates it to the charity of his or her choice.

All along, the host will be in e-mail contact with Ridenhour, who will keep track of all the money raised and where it goes. She will never touch any of the money; all of it is in the hands of each host, who will then mail it or deliver it to the organization they choose. Ridenhour is simply donating her time to oversee the effort.

She has already begun circulating invitations through e-mail. The invitation suggests a dinner-party date of Oct. 22, which would set aside one day for the fundraiser. But hosts can hold their party whenever they want.

Just e-mail Ridenhour (katrinadinner@;yahoo.com) prior to the event, letting her know you are hosting, where you live and what organization you have chosen to support.

She will send you a confirmation e-mail, and then will get in touch with you three days before your dinner party with the total number of parties being held and a list of the organizations being supported.

After the event, e-mail Ridenhour again with the amount of money you raised at the party. Then mail or deliver the money to your charity. She will send one final e-mail with the total amount of money raised.

All hosts will remain anonymous and in total control of the monetary donations.

Guests should bring whatever money they feel comfortable spending. If a couple typically spends $50 or more for dinner, they could bring that. If they're pizza-and-a-rental-movie folks, perhaps $20 is a better donation. Any, for a good cause, is better than none.

Ridenhour sent out the first invitations a week and a half ago, and has heard back from four hosts. She's hoping the idea will spread quickly through e-mail.

"There are hundreds of ways to help," she says in her invitation. "The important thing is to do so in whatever ways we can."