U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota’s governor elect, will host an inaugural ball Jan. 18 at the Bismarck Event Center.

The event will help support the North Dakota FFA Foundation and the Great Plains Food Bank. Attendees can donate money or non-perishable goods, like canned foods, boxed meals and toiletries.

It’s free to the public, but guests must RSVP at armstronginauguralball.com. Dress is black-tie optional.

The event’s lead sponsor is oil and gas company Devon Energy.

Armstrong wins, keeps Republican streak of North Dakota governors alive

The ball is organized by the Governor’s Heritage Foundation. According to the organization’s website, its mission is to “create awareness, advocacy, and raise funds for statewide charitable efforts who improve the everyday lives of North Dakotans” and to “honor and celebrate the efforts of the executive branch of the State of North Dakota.”

The organization was formed this fall and is in the process of obtaining nonprofit status, Jacy Schafer, Armstrong’s campaign manager, said in an email.

“We welcome all North Dakotans to come together to celebrate our great state stepping into a new era of leadership with Governor-Elect Kelly Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Michelle Strinden at the helm,” Gretchen Stenehjem, vice chair of the Governor’s Heritage Foundation, said in a statement announcing the ball.

Armstrong takes office Dec. 15.