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Celebrate 15 Years at Portofino with February Fundraising Event for The Children’s Playhouse

By Kaitlan Morehouse

Help Café Portofino celebrate its 15th anniversary as it gives back to a different locally-based nonprofit every month this year!

On the last Thursday of every month, 10 percent of the profits from its dining room will go to a nonprofit from the High Country, and a new organization will be featured each time!

“They are all things that are going to benefit the High Country,” said Portofino’s General Manager Katelyn Rayle.

A representative from each local nonprofit will be in attendance at their respective events to provide support and answer any questions you may have.

All day Thursday, Feb. 25, Portofino will give to The Children’s Playhouse.

Stick around — next month, Café Portofino will give back to the Western Youth Network.

About Café Portofino

Established in 2000, Café Portofino is located in a 100-year-old building, which was the original maintenance station for Tweetsie Railroad at 270 Rivers Street.

The establishment has a dining area and a bar called “The Tap Room,” complete with darts, billiards, games, large screen televisions and a full service bar that can be rented for private functions.

For more information, visit www.cafeportofino.net/ or its Facebook page.

About The Children’s Playhouse

Founded in 2002, The Children’s Playhouse is a nonprofit and a creative play space for families. It strives to provide children from birth to age 8 with an enriching, educational play environment and offer their parents and/or caregivers friendly support.

“It’s just a safe place in the community,” Rayle said.

Serving as a “town square” for the High Country, it invites natives and new-comers, out-of-towners and locals, experienced parents and eager first-timers and people of all classes to come together to share joy and learning with their children.

It offers flexible hours, classes for kids and adults and a number of play areas in a child-friendly environment. These play areas are open every day:

  • Arts & Crafts studio
  • Music & Drama corner
  • Construction zone
  • Book nook
  • Train climber with slide
  • Train table
  • Loft play space
  • Sand & water play
  • Romp & stomp
  • Grocery store & kitchen
  • Puppet theater
  • Doll house neighborhood
  • Science experiments
  • Developmental toys for babies
  • Special activities for 5-8-years-olds

The Children’s Playhouse is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Members get in free, and nonmembers pay $5 per-person from ages 1 and up.

The donations are what make its continued success possible.

For more information, visit www.goplayhouse.org/about.html.