Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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A Chocolate Affair Returns to Fayetteville ayetteville by STEPHANIE CRIDER Now in it's 10th year, the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh's earned will support the local family-support program. This is a goal-oriented, Chocolate Affair is truly an affair to remember. A buffet of case-management program that helps families to become selfdecadent deliciousness, the event is scheduled for Jan. 26 in sufficient. the Expo Room at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux. The program offers assistance by: "This event has come a long way," said Lisa Perkins, • Listening to families regional director of Catholic Charities. "For years this event • Providing information and referrals for a variety of needs was held in different social halls in local churches. It has • Giving family assessments, with awareness of: grown both in size and participation." o Family safety and health, including access The event includes both live and silent auctions as well to healthcare as entertainment and, of course, scrumptious food and o Risks of family/domestic violence beverages. Wendy Riddle returns as the emcee and Ben • Providing family casework/case management Ammons is the auctioneer. • Programs focused on enhancing economic stability: While there is still time to donate to the auctions and to o Employment assistance sponsor the event, there are already some fun items lined up. o Budget counseling "For the silent-auction products we try to feature local o Financial literacy businesses. There could be anything from art to pottery to a • Educational programming spa package," said Perkins. "The silent auction usually has • Pregnancy Services more things like a weekend at a beach condo. We always try "We do anything from helping families and children cope Chocolate Affair ... to Remember is a fun way with bullying to domestic violence. Our programs are offered to do some kind of a thrill package, too, — like a zip-line to raise funds to help local families in need. excursion or something of that nature. We also have locally bilingually, too," said Perkins. "We do a lot of things like made furniture this year." helping families who wouldn't be served at other places. We The luscious desserts are provided by long-time favorites have a tax program where volunteers are trained to do taxes B&B Catering and The Chocolate Lady. New Deli is joining and we do them for free in our community. We also have a the cause as well this year. Not only will there be a buffet of chocolate goodness, food pantry and a clothing closet as well as counseling services." there will also be feature tables where businesses can set up and showcase their The best part is that all the money stays in the local community. "All proceeds best desserts. stay with the Fayetteville Catholic Charities," said Perkins. "This is our only Adding ambience to the evening is local musician Reggie Codrington. fundraiser, which makes it very important to us." Codrington has a long history in Fayetteville and has played at high-end venues Last year the event raised more than $20,000. Perkins hopes this year's event including The Hilltop House and Highland Country Club. With several CDs on will meet that number. the market and a history of entertaining locals, Codrington's smooth jazz will add "We are a charity like any other. We do a lot to support ourselves," said just the right touch of sophistication to the event, according to Perkins. Perkins. "It is for a good cause and the money really does go right back into the Perkins has been attending the Chocolate Affair for several years and looks community to help the poor and working poor among us. At the end of the day forward to indulging, if only a little. it is what is needed to have these services available. We never want to be in a "I love the chocolate. I have learned to pace myself over the years," she said. "A position where we have to tell people no." great way to enjoy this event is to go out with friends or a significant other and Tickets are on sale for $35 in advance and $40 at the door. They can be have dinner and then come to us for dessert and a good time," she said. "With purchased through the Catholic Charities office, at and at Valentine's Day just around the corner, it is a great opportunity to find that special the Poet Selection in Westwood Shopping Center and at gift for your sweetheart. We auction off things like bouquets of roses that make the Chocolate Lady in downtown Fayetteville. The event great Valentine's Day gifts. It's an opportunity to get out and have a good evening runs from 7-10 p.m. For more STEPHANIE CRIDER, Editor. COMwith people you care about." information or to sponsor the MENTS? Editor@upandcominWhile the evening is definitely intended to be fun, Perkins noted that it is a party event or make a donation, call gweekly.com with a purpose. All proceeds benefit the Catholic Charities. Specifically, the funds (910) 424-2020 x 22. Does your advertising leave you feeling this way? Advertising can be pretty complex. You may not know which way to turn. There is a sign you can rely on — ours. Call us today so that our professionals can make the most of your advertising investment. 484-6200 wwwupandcomingweekly.com Another sign we're working for you. Free Papers Working For You WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM JANUARY 9-15, 2013 UCW 11