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Carolyn's House fundraiser at Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls

by jmaloni
Sat, Nov 6th 2010 02:00 pm
Carolyn's House, a YWCA of Niagara program, has gained the support of Lewiston residents Marie and John Hutchins. They will host a black tie fundraiser at the Rapids Theatre, 1711 Main St., Niagara Falls, to benefit Carolyn's House on Saturday, Nov. 6.

Doors open tonight at 6 p.m. for the first ever "Hearts for Home" Gala.

Carolyn's House was named in memory of Carolyn Van Schaik of Niagara Falls, who was instrumental in working with the YWCA of Niagara in preparing the application for the project. She died in an automobile accident before the program opened its doors.

The program offers housing and various support and referral services, job training, and other programs to assist women in becoming financially independent. Carolyn's House has provided housing to more than 100 women in five years, and even more children. It offers on-site GED classes; a vocational culinary arts program; has graduated two certified nursing assistant classes; and provides one-on-one counseling and life skills programs that include domestic violence counseling, financial literacy, anger management, nutrition and more.

The YWCA of Niagara also provides a full-time summer camp program for inner-city youth through its Carolyn's House program at Niagara Street Elementary School, in cooperation with the Niagara Falls School District.

Lisa Spacone, Marie Hutchins' good friend, was recruited to join the cause. Together, they have worked to create an event that will include food, drinks, a live jazz band, and a small auction.

Food will be prepared by The Catering Crew, the YWCA of Niagara's own full-service catering business operating out of Carolyn's House. The business employs students and graduates of the Carolyn's House culinary arts vocational program. All profits go back into the culinary program, as a social enterprise business.

Tickets cost $75 per person and $150 for couples. The price includes an open bar, food and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased by calling 278-9662, ext 10, or online at www.carolynshouse.org.

The auction prizes include: a "Peaceful Get-Away" package, featuring a week's stay at a four-bedroom lake-front Adirondack vacation home in Saranac Lake; a "Journey Through Niagara" package, with hotel stays in Lockport and Niagara Falls, dinners at various restaurants throughout Niagara County (including Shamus in Lockport and Casa Antica in Lewiston), and passes to various tourism sites; "The Sports Package," featuring tickets and memorabilia of the Buffalo Bisons, tickets to various sporting events at Niagara University, and an autographed game night program by Buffalo Sabres forward Drew Stafford; and a box of imported cigars, top-shelf brandy, wine baskets, and more.

In addition, an autographed Patrick Kane jersey will be raffled off at the event. A $25 donation will provide a chance to win the jersey.

Those who can't make it this evening can still purchase a chance to win the jersey on the Carolyn's House website.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Carolyn's House.

For more information, contact Marie Hutchins at her office or mobile number, at 205-8925 or 602-7144.

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