For everyone associated with The Next Step Domestic Violence Project, “our favorite, annual fundraiser” is its “Chocolate Fest with Live and Silent Auction,” reports executive director Laurie Fogleman.

That delicious event is 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at White Birches in Ellsworth.

Once again, “we will have live music donated by the Fletcher’s Landing Philharmonic,” Fogleman wrote, “just about every kind of chocolate dish imaginable as well as some fruit, crackers” and more “for the palate-cleansing moments.”

Admission is a donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children.

New this year, in addition to the silent auction, is the live auction with lawyer James Collier as auctioneer.

“The items have all been donated by wonderful people in our communities who want to let victims of domestic violence know that they care,” Fogleman wrote.

Among the auction items are artwork, goods and services certificates, jewelry, dry cleaning, pottery, and toys and games for a children’s table at which only children can bid.

Fogleman hopes you will take part in this “wonderful way to support a good cause while chasing away the February blues.”

The Next Step is the Domestic Violence Project serving Hancock and Washington counties.

For information, call 255-4934 in Machias; 454-8088 in Calais; or 667-0176 in Ellsworth.

The toll-free crisis line number in Hancock County is (888) 604-8692 and for Washington County it’s (800) 315-5579.

Some tickets remain for the Bangor Board of REALTORS’ 10th annual Valentine’s Party from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 11, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer, Jan Currier reports.

She also noted that the $15 per person admission fee for this special event, which raises funds for the Greater Bangor Habitat for Humanity Chapter, “has remained the same over the years,” thanks to the generosity of the sponsors “who help us keep it going.”

The event includes music by the Desperados, whom she described as a “local, well-established band” with a “very versatile” repertoire.

“They play all types of music,” she said, indicating there will be something for everyone to dance to.

This affordable evening features delicious desserts; the site is “easy to get to,” she said, and it is accessible to all.

With matching funds from the Maine Association of REALTORS Affordable Housing Foundation, the intent is for proceeds from this event to help HHGB build two more new homes, one in Bangor and one in Brewer.

Tickets are available through your local REALTOR, at Patrick’s Hallmark in the Broadway Shopping Center, and the Grasshopper Shop in downtown Bangor.

Nancy Slugg and Pam Burrows are co-chairing the Fat Saturday Bayou Benefit Bash 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in The First Church Parish Hall on Spring Street in Belfast.

Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children 10 and under, and $20 for families of four or more.

Tickets are available at The First Church, 8 Court St., or at the door.

Proceeds will “benefit hurricane recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast,” Slugg and Burrows wrote.

They explained Fat Saturday refers to its Mardi Gras theme, adding the literal translation of Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday.

For this occasion, Fat Saturday refers to the public supper from 5 to 7 p.m., offering a choice of Cajun-Creole dishes or a Southern chicken dinner followed by “sinful” southern desserts.

Entertainment will be provided by singer-songwriter-teacher Sean Mercer, offering a mix of live blues, rock, and folk music.

From 7 to 10 p.m., volunteer WERU DJ and Executive Sounds of Rockland owner Mark Elwin, a former New Orleans resident, will provide New Orleans brass, zydeco, Cajun, soul and funk music.

The event also includes a raffle with many prizes, with a quilt valued at $600 as the grand prize.

For more information, call The First Church, 338-2282.

On behalf of Anah Shrine Mini-Bikes, Jessie Mellott invites you to “pull out your dancing shoes” and attend the 7th annual Family Valentine’s Day Dance from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Shrine Hall on Main Street in Bangor.

The event is open to the public for $10 per person and includes a disc jockey, clowns, pizza, soda, treats and door prizes for all children.

A “favorite for families” for six years,” Mellott wrote, tickets and more information is available by calling the Shrine Hall at 942-2254.

Proceeds benefit the Anah Shrine Mini-bikes.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.