February is about love, so let’s get to the heart of the matter. How about a joyous occasion with great food and decadent desserts? Throw in the roses, delectable chocolate, great music, and an abundance of gifts from members of our community. I don’t know about you, but I can feel the love!

So you don’t have a Valentine? That doesn’t matter; this holiday is for everyone, and so is this upcoming event. In the words of Victor Hugo, “What a grand thing to be loved! What a grander thing still, to love!” At this event, the love goes both ways, and it will come at you from all directions! And even better yet, sometimes you know not from whence it comes, and no not to whom you’re sharing your love with. Sound mysterious?

Well, love has been known to work in mysterious ways.

St. Valentine himself is somewhat of a mystery. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia (1908), there are at least three different St. Valentines. All of them martyrs mentioned in early history under the date of Feb. 14. So, that it took three St. Valentines to convey the message of love shows you how complex love can be. But one thing is for sure: dating back to the Middle Ages, February has long been the month to celebrate love. So, let’s celebrate!

Project G.R.A.C.E. touches the heart of what community is all about. Channeling love from those generous enough to give to those in need – this group gives us all good reason to celebrate the month of love in first class community style. This Saturday evening you can’t help but feel the love. Hannaford’s in-house dining expert, Gary McCourt, will cook up food throughout the evening – some of the offerings will include crab stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped chestnuts, mouth watering sausage in Caribbean jerk blackberry sauce. Just when you may think that it can’t get any better than this, he’ll be auctioned off to come and cook in your home!

Scarborough’s Wavelength will strike up the band singing the likes of Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love,” Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls just want to have fun,” B52’s “love shack,” and so much more. And what’s not to love about the band’s keyboard player, and Scarborough resident, Paul Dionne – he’ll be auctioned off too, for your own private party. Bonnie Raitt will be sure to remind you, with “Love sneakin up on you,” that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner – so why not bid on Valentine’s day items donated by members of our community.

Looking for an evening of luxury? Consider bidding on limousine service donated by Kim Cobb from Maine Limousine, or a luxury night stay at the Black Point Inn courtesy of inn manager, John Maibach. Love speaks volumes when you say it with flowers. Just ask Jenny Thomas at Oak Hill Florist, and she’ll tell you, “Guys: she wants the dozen long stem roses!”

Perhaps, an excursion along Maine’s coast may be the perfect gift. Scarborough’s own Mark Coulston has donated a lobster trip for two. Relax and enjoy, and you’ll come home with four lobsters. Or, Dave Paul will take you on a three-hour fishing trip. He’ll teach you how to bait, clean, and filet.

A Valentine’s celebration isn’t complete without decadent desserts and chocolate. Whether you feast on cream puffs, chocolate covered strawberries, or melt-in-your-mouth, to-die-for truffles from Grammy Lammy’s Handmade Candies you’re in for a treat! For those who just can’t get enough chocolate, Linda Lambrides from Grammy Lammy has put together a chocolate lover’s gift basket to be auctioned off!

The evening is a celebration of love, for the love of those most in need in our community. What does this mean for recipients? Here’s what one had to say: “The greatest gift my family received this holiday season was the kindness of strangers. To me, love is the greatest gift of all. The love, given so freely, by your contributors and volunteers, will always be remembered by my family.” That gets to the heart of the matter.

Come – feel the love, share the love – Saturday Feb. 11 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Columnist, Bill Nemitz will be the honorary host. Tickets are $25 per person in advance, and can be purchased by stopping into to the parish office at St. Maximilian Kolbe, or by calling Project G.R.A.C.E. at 883-5111. The event is BYOB.