On Saturday, August 1, Curt and Ida Gear will host their second annual fundraiser for AHEAD (Adventures in Health, Education and Agricultural Developments), Inc at their home in Oak Bluffs. The soirée will go from 4 to 8 p.m. with food, drinks and music.

Irving Williams, the founder of the organization, said that AHEAD’s goals are “to reduce premature deaths, cultivate and advance healthy living, and foster sustainable environmental activities in developing countries.” This fundraiser will focus primarily on the plight of women, specifically, helping women in Tanzania get access to well-equipped maternity centers.

A major problem with maternity care in Tanzania is that it is very difficult for women to get to health facilities. Even when they do get there, the facilities often are ill equipped. This leads to a high maternity mortality rate.

Mr. Williams hopes to provide four health facilities in the Kisarawe district with good equipment and well-trained personnel.

He also wants to purchase four eRangers — motorbikes with gurneys attached to them approved by the World Health Organization — to transport women in labor from their homes to a facility.

“We would be delighted to say that the people on Martha’s Vineyard helped to provide these resources,” Mr. Williams said.

The soirée will be at 15 Thompson avenue in Oak Bluffs. The general entrance donation is $50. VIP tickets are also available for $100, which give guests access to a silent auction. All proceeds from the event will be given to AHEAD, Inc (aheadinc.org).

— Hilary Udow