The Culinary Club, 100 Who Care Del Webb Lake Oconee hold fundraiser for Circle of Love

Published 2:54 pm Wednesday, September 13, 2023

GREENSBORO, Ga. —The Culinary Club and 100 Who Care Del Webb Lake Oconee hosted an Italian dinner fundraiser Friday, Aug. 25 benefitting the Circle of Love Center’s Dining for A Cause building fund campaign.

Dining for a Cause is an incredible opportunity to bring the community together and create a ripple of positive change. By hosting dinner parties, wine nights, brunch, or even neighborhood-wide events such as the Culinary Club and 100 Who Care Del Webb Lake Oconee’s dinner, community members empower individuals and families in need by raising funds for Circle of Love Center. This amazing non-profit provides a safe haven to victims of domestic violence who need it most. By dedicating time and resources, participants are sending a powerful message of compassion and support.

“The Circle of Love Center Inc. provides direct and support services to victims of domestic violence and their children through residential (shelter) and non-residential services in a five-county area — Greene, Morgan, Putnam, Baldwin and Hancock counties,” said Kimberly Bennett, Circle of Love executive director. “Currently, the center is in direr need of expansion to support the growing number of victims who seek refuge at the Circle of Love Center. The new wing will house an open concept kitchen, living room, laundry, and playroom where families can gather, communicate, and heal together as 75% of residents are children fleeing domestic violence with their mothers.”

This event started with the Culinary Club, Margaret Harker and 100 Who Care DWLO, Betty Aubin, who first learned about the Dining for A Cause campaign. Their creativity blossomed and a plan to open the event and sell tickets to Del Webb residents developed into an evening of wine tastings provided by Oconee Beverage and National Distributors followed by an Italian Dinner. More support was shown at the Dessert Auction where auctioneer, Harvey Kart, had tables bidding against each other for desserts the Culinary Club’s bakers had provided. At the end of the evening, Del Webb was thrilled to present $14,251 to the Circle of Love Center for its building expansion project.

“We were so proud to collectively donate over $14,000 to Circle of Love to assist with the facility expansion project. It was a true testament to highlight what can be accomplished when we come together as a community. Not to mention that it was also a lot of fun,” said Margaret Harker.

Dining For A Cause presents a unique opportunity to gather friends, family, and neighbors for an unforgettable evening of enjoyment, camaraderie, and philanthropy. The event aims to contribute to the Circle of Love Center, where the proceeds generated will play a pivotal role in financing the much-needed expansion of our facilities. This expansion will enable us to provide even greater support to those affected by domestic violence.

For more information on how to organize and partake in this impactful initiative, visit the official Circle of Love website at colinc.org to access details and sign up for further information to host an event to support this meaning endeavor.