The idea: HAVE FUN and RAISE FUNDS for charity all at the same time!

The background: With a distinctive grassroots community-building format that helps make Winston-Salem an exceptional place to live, Edible Evenings raises thousands of dollars annually to help Forsyth County seniors at risk of malnutrition. A fundraising campaign that was started in 2003, Edible Evenings benefits the Meals-on-Wheels program of Senior Services, Inc.

The way it works: You throw a party or hold an "event" (anytime September through April), inviting friends, neighbors, classmates or colleagues to join you for fabulous food and first-rate fun. In return, your guests gladly make donations to Meals-on-Wheels: $10, $25 or $50 per person, or any amount you choose - it's up to you!

The goal: For Meals-on-Wheels to meet the dramatically increasing need for nutrition services for the community's elderly population, it has its sights set on raising at least $100,000 each year through Edible Evenings. It's for a great cause, everybody has a wonderful time, and in most cases, contributions are tax-deductible*."

* If your out-of-pocket expense is more than $25 per guest, please call Meals-on-Wheels (748-5932).