Becoming Cosmopolitan event benefits those who are hungry

In celebration of the cosmopolitan lifestyle in Southwest Florida, this year's Becoming Cosmopolitan event is giving women what they love most: fashion, pampering and chocolate, thanks to the sponsorship of several vendors in our community.

Community Cooperative Ministries' fourth annual Becoming Cosmopolitan event will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at The Veranda restaurant in downtown Fort Myers.

"We're so thrilled to have the generous support of so many charitable businesses in our local community," said Sarah Owen, CEO of CCMI. "Through the sponsors who have committed to our social soiree, we can offer ladies of all ages glamorous shopping, gourmet hors d´oeuvres, exotic cocktails, giveaways and an ultra-trendy live auction — all to benefit the hungry in our own backyard."

This year's list of vendors includes The Veranda, Chico's, Oswald Trippe and Company Inc., Ohio National Financial Services, Deanna and Wesley Hansen, Grandeur Magazine, Florida Weekly, Irresistible Confections, Michael K. Kim, M.D., Saks Fifth Avenue, DofG Design and TKW Consulting Engineers. Sponsorships are still available and range from $1,000 to $10,000.

Items already in hand for the live and silent auction include deluxe spa packages, girlfriend getaways, hotel stays, jewelry, beauty treatments, sporting events, artwork, dining packages and more. Donations for the event's live and silent auctions are still

being accepted.

More than 200 local women attended last fall's Becoming Cosmopolitan event and helped raise over $38,000 for CCMI.

According to CCMI, the amount of the event ticket provides one month of Montessori Preschool Education to a child of a working poor family; three months of emergency food to a family of four; a parent training scholarship to a single mother who wants to learn how to read to her child; one month of hot meals to a homeless family; or sponsors a weekend backpack for a child for an entire school year.

WINK Radio (AM 1240/1270) host Mandy Connell will serve as the evening's celebrity hostess and "world's worst auctioneer." With each paid ticket, attendees will receive a Gentleman Caller Card allowing free entrance at 8:30 p.m. for a male friend or significant other.

CCMI is the umbrella agency for the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Senior Transportation, the Montessori Preschool of Dunbar and Family and Homeless Services.

Tickets to the event are now available for $100 each at www.CCMILeeCounty. com/Cosmo. A limited number of "BFF" VIP tables for four are available for $1,000. For more information, call 332-7687.