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Dinner and Dance Fundraiser to Benefit the High Country Caregiver Foundation, Sept. 16

The summer is drawing to a close and entertainment opportunities are dwindling, but one event you do not want to miss is the upcoming “Dinner and Dance” to benefit the High Country Caregiver Foundation.

Saturday, September 16, at 7 p.m., the Chapman Center in Linville will come alive to the sounds of well-known Charlotte-based Boone native DJ, Chris Penick, following a dinner of brisket and all the trimmings, in an effort to support one of the area’s most successful nonprofit organizations that touches the lives of countless individuals on a daily basis.

High Country Caregiver Foundation, which serves seven counties in conjunction with High Country Council of Governments, provides support to family and kinship caregivers through numerous programs and opportunities, including, but not limited to respite vouchers, Daybreak, resources, support groups and financial reimbursement.

Among the fastest growing of the foundation’s services is the Relatives and Parents Program, better known as RAPP. Since 2008, RAPP has been helping to meet the needs of those adults raising young relatives in their home. While primarily, the group consists of grandparents raising grandchildren, RAPP also serves aunts, uncles and older siblings who have taken on the unexpected role of parenting.

Currently, RAPP is under the direction of local longtime media personality, Sherrie Norris, and is serving the counties of Avery, Watauga, Mitchell and Yancey, with plans to further expand into Wilkes county in the near future.

“We are very fortunate to be able to offer services to these families who have taken on more responsibility than they ever expected,” said Brenda Reece, Executive Director of High Country Caregiver Foundation. “Whether they are raising children or caring for an adult relative in the home due to a serious illness or disability, including dementia, these selfless individuals deserve our assistance.”

However, Reece added, “We cannot do it alone. It is because of the generosity of the community, through grants and fundraisers, like the upcoming Dinner and Dance, as well as the recent Peter Pedroni Memorial Golf Tournament, that allows us to continue to provide these much-needed and often overlooked services to those who need assistance.”

Reece was quick to acknowledge the Pedroni family, as well as longtime foundation friends and supporters, Carol Berns and Ted Silver, Marilyn and Neil Ramo, and Jane Levine, who are helping to organize the Dinner and Dance, in hopes of making it an annual event.

“The Caregiver Foundation is blessed to have folks like these who stand alongside us in insuring that we have the support we need to carry on our mission or caring for others,” said Reece. “This is something that makes life in the High Country such an amazing place to live and work, whether seasonal or year-round.”

The Dinner and Dance is sure to be an evening of good food, fun and frolic in a casual atmosphere, organizers say. In addition to a variety of music to fit your personal dance style, a special ball room dance demonstration will be offered by Sandi Finci Solomon and Tony Luis, with additional entertainment provided by internationally-known square dance caller, Ron Libby. Others who would like to perform a dance exhibition are also welcome to do so.

Causal dress is suggested, however, a trophy will be awarded to the individual or couple dressed in best dance attire.

Tickets for the event are $55 each, which includes the meal, dance and two drinks. (Additional beverages will be available by donation.)

Tickets are now available and going fast, so don’t delay in reserving your spot. For tickets or more information, call Jane at (843) 368-1799, or the COG office at (828) 265-5434, or by visiting online at www.hccgf.org.

If you or your business would like to be among the $100 event sponsors, email Director@hccgf.org or   call (828)265-5434, ext. 128.

The Chapman Center is located at 436 Hospital Drive in Linville.