Community Missions' event offers sweet relief

17^th annual "Sweetheart Dinner" benefits Niagara County's neediest

Community Missions Inc. will hold its 17^th annual "Sweetheart Dinner" Friday, Feb. 7, at the Sheraton at the Falls in Niagara Falls.

The event will begin at 6 p.m., with basket viewing and cocktail hour. During this time, guests can purchase basket auction, raffle or 50/50 tickets; bid on silent auction items; visit the cash bar; pick on hors d'oeuvres; listen to live music by Celtic Cross Duo; taste some of Niagara's finest wines from Midnight Wine Cellars; and get their photo taken with their sweetheart.

With lots of theme baskets and a variety of gift certificates, there is sure to be a memorable Valentine's Day gift for everyone. Dinner begins promptly at 7 p.m., followed by the silent and live auction and basket distribution. Tickets are $40 per person and can be reserved in tables of eight.

All event proceeds benefit Community Missions' crisis services programs, which include the community soup kitchen, food pantry, clothes closet, parole re-entry program, Marks Place (HIV/AIDS residence), and homeless shelter. This signature event will assist in continuing to provide food and shelter to the neediest neighbors of Niagara County.

In addition to purchasing tickets, basket/auction donations and sponsorship opportunities are available and appreciated. For more information on how to become a sponsor, donate a basket, or purchase/reserve tickets, contact Andrea Gray at 716-285-3403, ext. 2225, or [email protected], or Deborah Owens-Williamson at ext. 2240.

Since its founding in 1925, Community Missions has provided a unique blend of referral, crisis, community support, and residential services for youth and adults. In 2012, the missions' crisis services programs served more than 70,000 meals, provided crisis housing to more 600 individuals, and provided more than 9,000 nights of care to neglected or abused children and homeless adults.