The kitchen magic is back again for Joline Martin and Liz Datoo, and this time they are aiming to satisfy the senses.
The duo - known as Spices and Blarney - are collaborating for the second time at the end of April for their Night of Wonders, a fundraising dinner and event to raise funds for Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness.
“It’s going to be a feast for the senses; last year was a terrific success,” explained Datoo.
Last year, the pair donated $12,000 from the event to the organization, whose goal is to create a comprehensive transitional housing program for homeless and at-risk individuals and families in the Comox Valley.
The organization also supports community soccer, a garden, a trailer program in conjunction with Maple Pool Campground and a residential program.
The duo’s background and experience - Datoo’s in cooking and event planning, and Martin’s in social work and working with housing societies - came together last year, and is using the success of the past event to ensure the dinner this year will be “filled with exotic entertainment and exotic food.”
Datoo’s sister-in-law, a “queen of Indian cooking” is coming from Vancouver to aid in cooking, which is done entirely by volunteers. She added there will be a cocktail hour, entertainment from local belly dancers and henna painting.
She notes not only does the event aim to raise funds for the organization, but serves to raise its profile.
“Their needs are great. Right now … they are helping 38 adults and 18 children, in addition to working on accommodation, ensuring people have the right fit and (providing) support.”
She said the grassroots organization is gaining movement and it is coming into focus as a viable organization in the Comox Valley community.
The sit-down, family-style dinner is supported by the Rotary, Remax and the Old House Village & Spa Mayor’s Golf Classic.
“I want to make it a great event for a great cause.”
The event is taking place April 30 at the d’Esterre House in Comox at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 each, and can be purchased at the Laughing Oyster Bookstore in Courtenay or at Blue Heron Books in Comox, or by contacting Liz Datoo at LizDatoo47@gmail.com.