HAVLife is shaking things up this week for a good cause.
The 14th annual Martini Shake Off stirs it up from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 at the RiverCenter in downtown Davenport, offering an intoxicating blend of martinis, appetizers, music, and fun.
This year has a Mardi Gras theme, and along those lines local band 10 Of Soul will be offering up a funky mix of upbeat tunes to get the good times rolling as the martinis are flowing. Local mixologists and chefs will feature their signature items as hundreds of folks show up to network, mingle, and just have some good food and drink while listening to some cool tunes.
Photograph provided by: 10 Of Soul social media | Photographs taken from Rust Belt Winter Concert Series feat. 10 Of Soul.
“What I love about the event is that so many people from across the community enjoy it,” said Kim Guy, president of HAVLife. “People ages 21-81 come out to support it, and it all helps a good cause. It’s great to see so much community support for an event that gives back and helps out so many kids.”
HAVLife has raised over $1.4 million to help at-risk youth ages 10-15 since the event’s inception in 2007, and they’re looking at adding another $160,000 this year through ticket sales, a silent auction, donations, and more.
That money will go towards scholarships for local children for music, arts, sports, and other activities they may not otherwise get to experience for lack of funding.
“Big moments in a child’s life can come in small amounts of contributions,” Guy said. “It may only be $50 to someone, but to a child who needs that to afford going to a camp or an activity that could be a big thing in their lives. Just a little contribution could make a big difference to them and bring them a lot of happiness.”
The first year of the event brought in just 75 hearty folks looking for fun and refreshments, but the Shake Off has blossomed to the point where this year more than 1,500 people are expected to attend.
“I think it’s become popular because it’s right at that point between winter and spring where people are ready to get out and have some fun,” Guy said. “It’s a good mix of food, drinks, dressing up, having fun and mingling. Every year is a little different; we choose a different band and theme. This year’s is Mardi Gras, so we wanted to go with a band and a feel that’s in line with that. Everybody loves Mardi Gras, it’s a fun theme and we wanted people to enjoy it.”
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at HAVlife.org; tickets will also be available at the door. All ticket proceeds will benefit the HAVlife™ Foundation, which works to prevent lost potential in today’s youth by providing grants to participate in athletics, music and the arts.