Fun things for couples to do for Valentines Day

Area non-profits are offering something a little different for Valentine's Day this year then just giving your loved one flowers. Three separate organizations are hosting dinners around the Valentine's theme offering diners the chance to not only give their loved one an evening out on the town, but also help a worthy cause.
"Some people are already going to be spending money on going out with their Valentine so why not help to fund a great organization," Michele Parisi, spokesperson for the Brentwood Men's Club's sponsored Crab Feed and Valentines Dance said.
While one of the dinners is happening on Valentine's Day, some organizations have decided that it is better to host the event before or after the lovers' day giving couples the chance to spend time alone or with family and friends. That's the case of the Immaculate Heart of Mary's Romancing the 20's Valentine's Day Dinner Dance.
The event is hosted by the church's Pilipino-American members to help raise funds for improvements at the church. They hope to help build a parish hall and make improvements to the church's parking lot.
"The dance is themed toward the 20s era, as well as Valentine's Day," according to event organizer Jan Bantique.
Although it is not required, Bantique said there would be people dressed in roaring 20's clothing. "Some of the women have already gone out and gotten their clothes to dress in," he said. "The men will probably just be wearing tuxedos for fun."
Since the Pilipino-American group sponsors the event, there will be authentic Pilipino food, but Bantique said that there will also be some American dishes available. Romancing the 20s Valentine's Day Dinner Dance will be taking place at 7 p.m. at the Resurrections Ministries, 1275 Fairview Ave., Brentwood. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. For tickets call Jan Bantique at 354-1999 or Emma Arcayena at 325-5249.
Unlike the Immaculate Heart, the Men's Club is offering their event on Valentine's Day. The club has been putting this dinner on for the past 10 years, offering an all-you-can-eat crab dinner. One of the unique features about this dinner is that several groups attending buy a whole table for the dinner and then participate in a decorating contest. The decorations can range from everything from football to romance themes and all that's in between, Parisi said.
"It's really fun to just look at all the creative ideas people have come up with," Parisi said. The table with the best decoration wins a prize.
Parisi said that one of the reasons this event has been a success is that it features great food. The all-you-can eat crab comes with salad, bread and pasta. The cost is $80 per couple with 100 percent of the proceeds from the event going to East County charities and scholarships. Over the course of the year, the Men's Club receives requests from many different individuals and groups for donations. The money raised from this dinner goes to pay for those donations. Tickets can be purchased at to door, but advanced reservations are still possible by calling Joe at 634-6658.
"My husband and I love attending with a number of other couples. It’s more relaxed and engaging than simply going out to a restaurant for Valentines."
The Elderly Wish Foundation will be waiting a week and hosting their Annual Heart to Heart Ball on Feb. 21. The theme this year for the event is Dancing Under the Stars.
"We were really lucky this year to get a large donation allowing us to pay for the entire dinner. Now all the money we make on tickets and the auction will go directly to the wishes," said Mary Chapman organizer for the Elderly Wish Foundation.
Chapman said that not only were they lucky enough to receive that donation, but also were able to have several substantial prices donated to their auction. The auction will feature San Francisco Opera and Ballet tickets, sporting events, dinners and Napa Weekend with a hot air balloon ride.
The event is elegant black tie and will feature dinner, dancing and a silent and live auction. It will be located at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road, Antioch. Tickets are $60 per person. For reservations call 978-1883 or e-mail info@elderlywish.org.