Local businesses join hands to raise funds for charity

George’s Wine & Gourmet Gallery and Ward’s Flowers & Gifts will co-host Treasures & Tastings on Wednesday, Nov. 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at George’s cozy store, conveniently located at 7 Main Street in the heart of downtown Branchville. A selection of holiday gift items, gourmet food baskets, holiday décor, crystal, selected wines and other items will be available. Patrons who bring along a new, unwrapped toy for the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive will be entered into a special drawing. The event will also feature wine tastings by sommelier George Delgado, gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Chef Frances Delgado, and raffles and drawings for holiday items. A $30 fee will be collected at the door; the majority of the proceeds will benefit Project Self-Sufficiency, a local non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in northwestern New Jersey. Space is limited and reservations are required. Frances Delgado has worked in the hospitality industry as a professional chef and sommelier for more than 20 years. She has been employed at several renowned establishments, including the esteemed New York City restaurant, Windows on the World. Frances and her husband and fellow sommelier George Delgado teamed up to open George’s Wine & Gourmet Gallery in Branchville following the destruction of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. The holiday market on behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency allows Frances to combine her professional interests with her desire to give back to organizations which help women and families. “Project Self-Sufficiency offers people the opportunity to learn marketable skills, gain self-esteem and become self-sufficient. I believe in helping organizations which assist families to achieve a better life.” The Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive is a county-wide effort led by Project Self-Sufficiency on behalf of low-income families in Sussex County. Pass it Along, Intercar Mercedes Benz, Sussex Honda, The New Jersey Herald, and Mugs Media have joined the agency’s efforts to collect more than 7,500 gift items for distribution to local families by mid-December. Tickets to Treasures & Tastings are $30 per person. For tickets, or for more information, call 973-948-9950.