Be sure to circle the date Thursday, December 1 on your calendar reminds Family Crisis & Counseling Center’s Special Events Committee chairperson, Sue Payne. That’s the date for this year’s FCC Christmas Extravaganza.  As one of the first events of the th holiday season in Bartlesville, the annual affair is slated from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Sterling’s Grille. Tickets are $35 per person.

Always a fun-filled event, Sterling’s Grille is closed to the general public that night, devoting the evening entirely to the Christmas Extravaganza.  “This has been a tradition for many years,” notes Jim Curd, “and we’re happy to do it in support of such an important organization.”

            Executive Director Barbara Turner notes that in addition to providing abused women and their children safe shelter, FCC offers protective order assistance, counseling for victims and counseling intervention for the abusers in an effort to break the insidious pattern that puts families in crisis. The center also offers services for individuals and families with substance abuse/dependency issues.

            “That’s why this fundraiser is critical,” she says.  “It’s the time of year when family values and harmony are so important.  Our fundraiser affords the community at large an opportunity to make family unity possible for others.”

            “While this event has a serious purpose,” adds Payne, “it is always a festive, glittering party that features a traditional holiday buffet and a silent auction for beautifully decorated Christmas items.  Throughout the evening party-goers are invited to participate in competitive bidding for decorated table-top Christmas trees and elaborate handmade wreaths.  In addition, the silent auction features an assortment of  holiday gift baskets and unique one-of-a-kind gift items.

            Reservations may be made by calling Deanna Long at the Family Crisis Counseling office at (918) 336-1188 with credit card information.  Seating is limited.  Family Crisis Counseling Center, Inc. is a member of the Bartlesville Regional United