Going out to the movies these days can wreak havoc on one’s wallet, especially if it’s a family outing. Thanks to the Millstone Foundation for Educational Excellence (MTFEE), area families can enjoy a popular movie along with fun activities and refreshments among friends, all at a price that won’t break the bank, and for a good cause.

“MTFEE is looking forward to hosting Family Movie Day,” Nicole Pyhel, president and information officer for the MTFEE, said. “The event offers families a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s weekend together, while their donations will help fund grants for Millstone Township students.”

Family Movie Day will kick off at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Millstone Performing Arts Center, with pre-movie activities for kids, including face painting and Valentine’s Day-themed crafts.

The movie — chosen through votes by children in the primary and elementary schools — is “Despicable Me,” a PG-rated animated feature starring Steve Carell that tells the story of three orphaned little girls who thwart a villain’s plan to steal the moon. It will begin at 3 p.m.

A concession stand will offer refreshments for purchase.

A $5 minimum donation is requested with advance reservations. Tickets will also be available at the door, for a $6 donation.

Sponsors for the event include Saker ShopRites, the Millstone Times and the Monmouth Family Times.

Donations will help provide grant funding for innovative and exciting classroom programs, educational opportunities, staff development, and state-of-the-art teaching materials that are beyond the scope of the general school budget.

The MTFEE is a nonprofit organization with a mission of funding extraordinary educational experiences for Millstone’s public school students.

The foundation is proud to have awarded more than $ 410,000 in grants to Millstone Township public schools to date. MTFEE grants, which have been awarded at every grade level and in every discipline, have ranged from small — a few hundred dollars — to larger ones, such as Smartboards, mobile computer labs, and most recently, iPads. According to MTFEE, every child who matriculates through the school district will in some way benefit from an MTFEEfunded grant.

To order tickets, visit www.mtfee.org.

The Millstone Township Performing Arts Center is located at 5 Dawson Court, Millstone.