STATE COLLEGE — Twilight Dinners have been a huge fundraising effort for Centre Safe as a way for members of the community to connect over a ticketed meal benefiting the nonprofit organization.
The dinners are hosted throughout the community, with the format and theme up to the hosts. The next Twilight Dinner’s theme is Field of Dreams and is on Wednesday, May 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the newly renovated Penn State Field Hockey Complex.
“Our goal is to provide optimal services for all,” Jennifer Pencek, executive director of Centre Safe said.
“The dinners provide amazing nights of culinary delights and also strengthen connections between Centre Safe and community members. Whether people purchase tickets to one dinner or more — or donate to the Twilight Dinners Fund — every dollar raised goes directly to support victims and survivors and provide critical services across Centre County.”
The goal for Centre Safe this year is to raise $20,000 from the events, and the tickets are priced at $125 per person. The funds go toward the organization’s costs in aiding survivors and victims of relationship and sexual violence by providing shelter, legal support, educational programs, outreach and a community safety net.
According to Centre Safe, the nonprofit served 900 domestic violence clients, about 270 sexual assault victims and another 200 individuals and families seeking emergency shelter during the fiscal year 2023-24.
The Field of Dreams Twilight Dinner is hosted by Penn State field hockey coach, Char Morett Curtiss and State College field hockey coach, Sharon Herlocher.
“Heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be featured. Morett-Curtiss retired from her position leading Nittany Lions field hockey after her 39th season as a collegiate head coach. Herlocher has an impressive coaching resume with State College, Penn State, Boston University and club field hockey,” Centre Safe explained in a statement.
“She also co-owns Herlocher Foods and Ottis Properties. Morett Curtiss and Herlocher invite you to enjoy the views from the stadium and the camaraderie among friends as we celebrate all Penn State and Happy Valley have to offer.”
The next Twilight Dinner’s theme is June Bloom and will be hosted by Laura and Sean Shadle at Pine Grove Hall at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 1.
“Join Laura Shadle, Sean Shadle, and friends for a charming summer evening of flowery cocktails and delicious cuisine at the Pine Grove Hall on June 1st,” a press release from Centre Safe continued.
“The June Bloom dinner benefits Centre Safe and honors their work to support victims and empower survivors.”
Tickets for the Twilight Dinners can be purchased online at centresafe.org/twilight-dinners or by calling Centre Safe’s office at 814-238-7066. You can also call the Centre Safe office to learn more about hosting an upcoming Twilight Dinner event. For those unable to attend the dinners but want to contribute, folks may donate to the Twilight Dinner Fund using the same ticket purchase link.
For more information about Centre Safe, contact executive director Pancek at 814-238-7066, by email at jpancek@centresafe.org, or by visiting centresafe.org.
