FARMINGTON — A cash incentive is doubling the potential impact on funds raised for heat, while two downtown businesses are making plans to also help the third annual Hollywood Heat Dance.

The dance is planned for Friday, Feb. 7, in the North Dining Hall at the University of Maine at Farmington. It raises money for local fuel oil assistance through the ecumenical program, ECU HEAT.

Again this year, the Sandy River Charitable Trust will donate $5,000 to the effort if the amount raised by the dance exceeds $5,000.

The Homestead Bakery Restaurant and Calico Patch will also offer special promotions in connection with the heat dance.

The Homestead is preparing a pre-dance gala with Hollywood-themed meals such as Marilyn’s Curvaceous Calamari and Hepburn’s Highballs. With the purchase of a special $20 Gold Plated Ticket, diners will receive complimentary champagne and a limousine ride from the restaurant to the dance and back again.

The Gold Plated Ticket also doubles as an admission ticket to the dance.

“We are planning to transform the restaurant into a swanky Hollywood and Vine nightspot, with candles, a red carpet entrance and movie star waitresses and waiters,” Laurie Danforth of the Homestead said.

At the Calico Patch, 10 percent of sales of all retired Vera Bradley products between now and Feb. 28 will be donated to the dance.

“We are thrilled to be part of an event that is so successful, so important to our community and so much fun,” Marsha Planting, owner of Calico Patch, said.

Funds raised by the event allow ECU HEAT to provide an emergency once-a-year, 50-gallon fuel oil delivery to families in need. The group has already assisted more than 300 people in Franklin County this heating season.

The dance is a well-attended event, raising $16,000 last year. It starts at 7 p.m. and features music by the dance band Shepherd’s Pie.

Some attend dressed in Hollywood star costumes, but both formal and casual attire are appropriate and welcome. Free hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided.

Tickets are $10 in advance at Devaney Doak and Garrett and Calico Patch and $15 at the door.

abryant@sunjournal.com