Cocktails in Character

　　　
　　
By Jennifer Westerholt:
Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo & Erie County is in the Halloween spirit and is looking forward to its second annual Cocktails in Character fundraiser, which will be held on Tuesday, November 1 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the grand lobby of Shea's Performing Arts Center.
Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite book character, but are welcome to come as they are, or in cocktail attire. Costumed actors portraying literary characters from J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan and other classic books will mingle with guests during the evening. Guests will also enjoy Shea's behind-the-scenes tours throughout the evening.
Cocktails in Character is the organization's largest fundraiser, benefiting programs that help individuals develop reading skills, which enable them to better function in our community. The event also serves as a recognition event for the more than 300 tutors who serve the organization. The tutors are invited as guests, free of charge, in honor of their efforts during the year.
"Cocktails in Character is a fantastic event that builds awareness for a very important cause," said Literacy Volunteers Executive Director Christopher G. Gibas. "It's also a time to honor our dedicated tutors who make a difference each day in the lives of our students, who are the true heroes of our organization."
Cocktails in Character will feature samples from 14 different restaurants, including Left Bank, Pearl Street Grill, The King and I, Merge, Encore, Fables, Tandoori, Encore, Edible Arrangements, and many more. In addition to a cash bar, there will be wine samples from Glenora, and Flying Bison beer and McKenzie's Hard Cider samples. The cash bar will have a literary theme, featuring Long John Silver Pirate's Rum and Coke, James Bond Martinis, and more.
Guests will join in the action during a basket raffle auction and a silent auction. Highlights include: a family season pass to Buffalo Ski Club, Holiday Valley lift tickets, Bills and Sabres tickets, a Nook color e-reader, a Brookfield Country Club foursome, a Niagara wine country tour, scuba diving lessons, hotel overnight stays, theater tickets, Stickley furniture, and much, much more.
Literacy Volunteers has arranged for DC Theatricks costume shop to provide a 10% discount on costume rentals or sales for Cocktails in Character guests.
Tickets are $30 and are available for purchase at www.CocktailsinCharacter.com or by calling Literacy Volunteers at 876-8991. Tickets are $35 the day of the event or at the door.