Tis the season to be jolly – and extraordinarily busy! In between shopping, decorating and feasting, there are multitudes of holiday events to attend.
Italy in December is a holiday evening of dining, dancing and merriment that has a dual purpose – to raise money for Transition Projects, an organization that assists people from homelessness to housing. By meeting people’s basic needs and building a supportive community around them, they are able to lead their clients to permanent housing and jobs. Many of their clients are returning veterans who having difficulty integrating back into civilian life.
Chatten Hayes is the coordinating force behind Italy in December. “As Recycling Chairman for Festa Italiana, I’ve worked closely with every food vendor,” she shares. “With so many people in our community going hungry, and the depth of Italian cultural emphasis on food, my most triumphant moments at Festa are when I carry pans and tubs and loaves of edible food to Transition Projects’ kitchen.”
The evening gets started Friday, December 12th in the 1920’s vintage Melody Ballroom in lower southeast Portland. Partygoers will savor antipasti and gelato from A Cena Ristorante and Gelato Maestro. A cash bar will serve a variety of Italian wines, beer, waters and liqueurs. Headlining the evening will be Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms, the country’s most popular Italian-American show band.
Need a place to stay after your night of merriment? Park Lane Suites is offering a special Italy in December rate for supporters of the event.
Chatten is excited about this first-time effort. “I thought an event bringing together Italians, agency supporters and lovers of dancing and fun would be a huge success, and every dollar raised goes to Transition Projects.”
Tickets for Italy in December are $40 and available online at www.italyindecember.com. For more information about Transition Projects, visit www.tprojects.org
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