PHOTO PROVIDED Customers are seen at Webster’s Bookstore and Cafe. The well-known establishment in State College will be hosting the first of a series of Twilight Dinners to help Centre Safe raise funds to assist victims and survivors of sexual and relationship violence.

STATE COLLEGE — Centre Safe is excited to officially be in a Twilight Dinners season. For many years, Twilight Dinners have been a signature fundraiser for Centre Safe, bringing together community members for a shared, ticketed meal, with proceeds from the event benefiting Centre Safe.

This year, Centre Safe hopes to raise $20,000 from the events. Dinners are hosted by community members, and format, as well as theme, is up to individual hosts. Dinners can be private, with hosts choosing their attendees; open to the public; or a combination of both. They can also be held in private homes or in public spaces around Happy Valley — as is the case with the upcoming Twilight Dinner slated for Feb. 28 at Webster’s Bookstore and Cafe. Hosted by Webster’s and featuring a literary art heist theme, the event will be a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

All proceeds from the Twilight Dinners (tickets are $125 per person) go toward Centre Safe’s costs in assisting victims and survivors of sexual and relationship violence, providing them with shelter, legal support, outreach and education programs, and, in general, a community safety net. Each year, Centre Safe serves approximately 900 domestic violence clients, as well as approximately 200 sexual assault victims and survivors and another 200 or so individuals and families seeking emergency shelter and housing.

“Our goal is to provide optimal services for all,” said Jennifer Pencek, executive director of Centre Safe. “We always appreciate the support of the community, including the generous hosts of this year’s Twilight Dinners. The dinners provide amazing nights of culinary delights and also strengthen connections between Centre Safe and community members. Whether people purchase tickets to one dinner or more — or donate to the Twilight Dinners Fund — every dollar raised goes directly to support victims and survivors and provide critical services across Centre County.”

Details on the public Twilight Dinners are listed below. Additional dinners may be added later. Purchase Twilight Dinner tickets at www.centresafe.org/twilight-dinners, or by calling the Centre Safe office at 814-238-7066. You can also call the Centre Safe office to inquire about hosting an upcoming Twilight Dinner event. If you are unable to attend the dinners but want to contribute, you may donate to the Twilight Dinners Fund using the same ticket purchase link.

The Margins of Deception: A Literary Art Heist

Hosted by Webster’s Bookstore & Cafe

Saturday, Feb. 28 — 6 p.m.

Webster’s Bookstore & Cafe

Step into an after-hours bookshop for an immersive vegan tasting dinner where literature, food and mystery intertwine. Guests will enjoy a five-course, chef-driven menu featuring highlights like smoked carrot lox with cashew cream, beet carpaccio with walnut “ink,” wild mushroom and truffle risotto and a dark chocolate-espresso torte. Between courses, a scavenger hunt unfolds as clues hidden in books and revealed by characters and story fragments invite diners to solve an art heist mystery together. Expect an intimate evening of elegant plant-based cuisine, playful intellectual challenge and theatrical storytelling set among the shelves.

Birthday

Extravaganza

at Happy

Valley LIVE

Hosted by Sara and Tom Songer

Saturday, April 4 — 6 p.m.

Happy Valley LIVE

Join us for the Songer’s annual Twilight Dinner, where good food, great company and a glowing evening atmosphere come together. This year, the dinner is also an amazing way to help Tom Songer celebrate his birthday–get ready for some delicious birthday cake! As the sun sets, enjoy a thoughtfully prepared dinner featuring comforting favorites–beautifully presented and perfect for sharing. The menu is designed to feel welcoming, making it a true evening to savor. Set inside the vibrant space of Happy Valley LIVE, the atmosphere will be warm and inviting, with live energy and a relaxed space that makes the night feel special without being formal. It’s the perfect backdrop for conversation, connection and community. 

Pennsylvania

Harvest

Dinner: Local Land, People and Impact

Hosted by Joy Vincent Killian and Richard Killian

Saturday, June 13 — 6 p.m.

State College

This meal reflects the care of many hands, from farming and cooks, like our work, which depends on a community that believes in long-term stewardship. Upon arrival guests will be served a Pennsylvania cheese board, dry cider or Gruner Veltliner. The first course will feature butternut squash soup, salad greens with walnuts and pears and light wine. Then it’s on to the main course of chicken and turkey and risotto with mushrooms. Sides will include roasted root vegetables, greens and Cabernet Franc or Pinot Noir with a delicious dessert of pear tart with brandy. Nonalcoholic drinks will also be available.

Enjoy an evening meeting new friends and engaging in conversations surrounded by art, antiques and many clocks. Guests will depart with Richard’s delicious homemade canned goods from the Killian garden.

For more information about Centre Safe, contact Executive Director Jennifer Pencek at 814-238-7066 or jpencek@centresafe.org. Learn more at www.centresafe.org.