The sweet smiles of babies in need continue to pull at Barrita Durward’s heartstrings, both locally and abroad.
Durward, owner of Cotton’s Chocolates in downtown Vernon, is once again hoping the community will come out with their generosity to support the causes close to her heart.
This year, the seventh annual Valentine’s for Mexico Sweet Smiles Fundraiser and Silent Auction gets underway Friday, Feb. 19 at the Vernon Atrium at 5:30 p.m.
The extravagant event features a chocolate buffet, balloon bursts, treasure tree, locked treasure chest, loaded buffet dinner, music from the Legendary Lake Monsters and so much more.
“It’s going to be tons of fun,” said Durward, who has been working tirelessly to ensure so. “Tons of chocolate, tons of prizes, tons of love.”
This year, along with the tables of silent auction items, a few live auction items are being added to the event. One of which includes a tandem skydive alongside Durward.
“I’m super nervous,” she said.
The event, which is nearly sold out, will see all proceeds donated to children of the street rescued by City of Angels Orphanage (Cozumel) and the House of Hope and Love Orphanage (Bonneville). There is also a local baby struggling with some health challenges who will benefit from the event.
Lilly Carlston, five-months-old, was born with an extra ureter, diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and is receiving treatment in Vancouver.
“The treatment is covered but not transportation and food,” said Durward of the family’s expenses going back and forth.
Funds are heading to Cozumel’s orphanage this year to continue the work being done to rescue children from the streets.
“We’re raising money this year to continue and complete construction of the new home we’ve been building at the orphanage. That will allow nine more children to call City of Angels home.”
While getting children who have been exploited and abused off the streets is one major step, the society is also working to help the children in their mental journey to move past their troubled childhoods.
“They carry around a lot of demons. We want to have a psychologist come,” said Durward. “So what’s happened to them doesn’t determine who they are.”
The support from the community recently allowed the orphanage to connect to city sewer, nine Vernonites joined a crew in building in Cozumel and Durward also credits her hometown’s generosity for allowing the orphanage in Bonneville to pay its respects with a headstone for Esther.
Last year, Esther, the house mom, lost her battle with cancer and died.
“Pastor and Esther were married for 50 years,” said Durward. “They started that orphanage 25 years ago.”
Durward thanks the community for all its kindness, which she says is making a big difference in the lives of children.
“That’s the big thing, helping children live the lives they should be living.”
Anyone wanting to donate silent auction items can call Jolene Campbell at 250-938-4684. Tickets, which are $75, can be purchased at Cotton’s Chocolates.