Fashion and Fun after Fifty

On Thursday night, The Delaware Financial Literacy Institute hosted a “Green Tie Friendraiser” at The Chase Center on The Riverfront.  The “green themed” event began at 6:00 p.m. and as guests mixed and mingled waitstaff presented trays of succulent Hors D’Oeuvres which included a Crab-Avocado Salad Wrap; Grilled Tenderloin Crostini with Brie; Applewood Smoke Bacon Wrapped Shrimp; Caribbean Coconut Chicken with Mango Sauce; Mini Cheeseburger Sliders and Vegetarian Vietnamese Spring Rolls.

On each table there was a “What’s Your DFL-IQ” sheet that contained clues about the program, completed forms were then entered into a drawing for a chance to win a Gift Card with Travel Mug or a Basket of Wines.  The mellow sounds of A-Z Music was heard as they played smooth Jazz throughout the evening.  Mary Caraccioli, The Money Confidant, began the presentation with the history of DFLI, a not-for-profit organization that provides FREE financial literacy programs and the importance of the local business support.  Emilio Cooper, Board President and a rep of Citizen’s Bank, a Corporate Sponsor also spoke and announced that DFLI had recently received the 2013 Excellence in Literacy Award – Non Profit.  Ronni Cohen, Executive Director also spoke briefly and introduced her small, hardworking staff as well as a video that contained testimonies and accolades from several participants and instructors who were also present at the evening’s event.

The highlight of the evening were the eloquent remarks from Victoria Acosta, she and her sister Samantha are “smallpreneurs” whose family business, Precious Pillows, was started by Jennifer at the tender age of 10.  She spoke of how DFLI planted the seed that allowed her to become successful and they have been chosen to represent their company at a Christian Technology Camp this summer.  Victoria is an A+ student, involved in sports and church activities and is truly an inspiration to others in and above her age group.

“May your days be filled with success and your nights with Precious Pillows!”

Dinner was buffet style with Nacho stations as well as a Cheese/Fruit/Vegetable and Dip table.  An open bar served soft drinks, a variety of wine, Twin Lakes Winterthur Wheat beer and a special Green Tie Cocktail – Rita’s Juicy Pear Water Ice & Vodka, which was also available as non-alcoholic.

As guests departed they were given a green dfli monogrammed coffee mug containing a bookmark and donation form.  It was a wonderful evening and I will definitely contact my employer to request a donation be made to this worthy organization.