Put on your party dress and shoes Friday night and get ready for a dose of visual, performing and culinary arts at the Art of Chocolate.
The third annual benefit for Options, Inc., comes with air conditioning this year from 7:30 until 10:30 p.m. at The Armory, 306 W. McDowell St. Artwork is up for auction, chocolate will be readily available and musical performances from various artists will fill the air.
Kristy Graf, executive director of Options, said the theme this year is a bit whimsical, a la entering a chocolate factory. The sponsor reception, a new addition this year, will include wine tasting and a chef competition.
Local artists have donated more than 100 pieces of artwork for the live and silent auction, Graf said. Some of the pieces were on display at MESH Gallery throughout April and several pieces have already been purchased.
For the past two years, the benefit has raised about $30,000 for the agency, Graf said. Options shelters and provides advocacy and treatment for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
The funds raised last year went to support the shelter and child therapy programs, Graf said.
"This year we're hoping to fund the therapy program again and our shelter, and really all our programs," Graf said.
Options hopes to expand the therapy program to include help for the women who seek the agency's help, Graf said.
The Art of Chocolate doubled in size during its second year, Graf said. She hopes the benefit continues to grow.
"It's just been really successful for us on so many levels," Graf said. "It spreads awareness about our services, what we do and how we can help you.
"It also has helped us fund our programs where we have lost money through reductions of state grants and donations being down. What's happening is that our services are in higher demand but we're losing funding."
Ticket sales have been brisk, but a few are left, Graf said.
The $35 tickets are available until before the event Friday. No tickets will be available at the door. To purchase a ticket, contact Options at 438-9444.
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