DESIGNS FOR DINING 2014

St. Francis Church Hosts 14th Annual "Designs For Dining 2014" Fundraiser

Proceeds from South Bay charity event to benefit the St. Francis Outreach Scholarship Fund

St. Francis is once again setting tables for charity! From
the beautiful and the elegant, to the casual and fun, tables designed for
dining are returning to St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2200 Via Rosa in Palos
Verdes Estates. The St. Francis Outreach Scholarship Committee today announced
the schedule of speakers for their 14th Annual Designs for Dining
event slated for February 28 and March 1, from 10 am to 4 pm both days.  Designs for Dining 2014 features
entertaining ideas and 25+ imaginative theme table designs by local merchants,
parishioners and friends. There will be guest speakers, boutiques, demonstrations,
tastings, opportunity drawings and silent auction – both days. Refreshments
included in the ticket price, will be served throughout the day - both
days.  Tickets are $30 in advance;  $35 at the door.
Proceeds from this 2-day charity event will benefit the St. Francis Outreach Scholarship
Program.           

            On
Friday, at 10:30 am, Christine Ouendag, of French Farmhouse,
Riviera Village will discuss the historical influence of France in the US, and
replicate a French dinner at home.  At 12:00 pm on Friday, Lewis Wertheimer, a high end, custom traditional
residential architect and frequent contributor to Coastal Living, based in
Venice, CA, will give a talk on “Coastal Homes.”  

            Designs
for Dining is thrilled to welcome back Chef Robert Bell of Chez Melange Restaurant, who will share his thoughts on “Being
Clever in the Kitchen — a creative approach to food,” at 1:30 pm.  Major Event Consultant Carroll A.
Reuben, CMP, CMM, will present “A Look into the Life of a Corporate Event
Planner” at 2:45 pm on Friday.

            Designs
for Dining 2014 resumes on Saturday, March 1 with morning coffee at 10 am, and Claudia
Leon, of Andes
Florist in Torrance
will offer a “Flower Centerpiece Class” at 10:15 am – Learn how to make a beautiful
floral centerpiece to take home. Cost $30 ($35 after 2/24).  No charge to observe the class.  At 12 Noon on Saturday, Darin Engh, Manager Armstrong Nursery, Torrance will present “Your Green Thumb &
Spring Container Gardens,” followed by a demonstration and tasting by 13 year
old chef and recent competitor on Food Network’s Rachael vs. Guy: Kid’s Cook
Off, Cole Malouin
— “Getting Kids into the Kitchen” at 1:30 pm.  Then at 2:15 pm Betsy Edwards of Cookin’ Stuff, Torrance will present — “Make It
Simple, Make It Good Using Fun Gadgets in Your Kitchen.” Patrick Sullivan from Pottery Barn, Rolling Hills Estates will share “Spring
Entertaining” tips and ideas at 3:00 pm.

            By
purchasing opportunity tickets, a guest may win a catered dinner with wine for
12 prepared in your home or at Chez Melange by Chef Robert Bell and Staff —
valued at approximately $2,500.  Opportunity tickets may be purchased in advance at the church
office until February 24 or at the show. 
The special drawing will be held at the conclusion of the Designs for
Dining 2014 event, after Sunday services on March 2 at noon.  The winner need not be present.

            For
more information on Designs for Dining 2014, please contact St. Francis Church
at (310) 375-4617, or visit www.stfrancispalosverdes.org.

Hosted by St. Francis Episcopal Church in the Parish Hall,
the annual Designs for Dining event featuring dozens of inspiring tabletop
designs by local merchants and individual collectors, guest speakers,
refreshments, and more. It’s the main fundraiser for the St. Francis Outreach Scholarship
Program that benefits local South Bay college students with funding to help
them complete their college educations.

The St. Francis Outreach Scholarship Fund (SFOSF) was
founded in 1998 by parishioner, Joni McIntyre, as a program of outreach to
promising youths who aspire to a college education, but might not have the
financial means to fulfill their dreams. Not only are candidates given
financial help, but are also mentored through graduation.  SFOSF has graduated three students, and seven
more currently in schools at various universities.  All proceeds from Designs for Dining benefit the St. Francis
Outreach Scholarship Fund.