The 20^th Anniversary of The Chocolate Affair is coming up soon!  The event is Saturday, February 11 at 6:30pm at the Charleston Marriott on Lockwood Blvd in Charleston.  This gala offers gourmet catering, the best chocolates the Lowcountry has to offer, as well as a full bar (including its specialty – Chocolate Martinis).    Along with the gourmet food, drink and dessert, the event includes both silent and live auctions with luxurious items such as jewelry, vacation packages, artwork, dinner packages, and other gift certificates and services.  Tickets to the event are $100 per person or $185 per couple, and reservations can be made by calling (843) 740-6793.  Additional information on the event can be found at www.thechocolateaffair.net. Proceeds serve as the primary fundraiser for Communities in Schools of the Charleston Area (CIS).

CIS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students stay in school, complete their education, and become productive and contributing citizens.  During the 2009-2010 school year, CIS served approximately 5,300 students and their families in Charleston and Berkeley Counties.  For more information on CIS, visit their website or call (843) 740-6793.

The Charleston Navy Yard Officer’s Quarters Historic District has many historic structures suffering from neglect and in need of significant repair work.  One specific historic building, known as “Quarters A”, needs major work.  This building was built in 1905 as served as the house for the Commandant of the Charleston Navy Base, but has been vacant since the Base closed in 1996.

Along with historical significance, this building has personal significance to Ben Newton, one of our CPAs here at Legare Bailey & Hinske.  Ben’s grandfather, Rear Admiral Herman J Kossler, served his last naval tour as Commander of the Sixth Naval District in Charleston, from which he retired in 1973.  As such, Admiral Kossler and his family (which included Ben’s mother, four aunts, one uncle, and of course his grandparents – Admiral and Mrs. Kossler), lived in Quarters A from 1968 – 1973.

While the structure is in dire need of repair, help is on the way.  The Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC) is holding its Membership Oyster Roast at the Navy Yard Officer’s Quarters Historic District, and the proceeds will support Quarters A through PSC’s Seven to Save Initiative, which seeks to establish an adaptive use plan for the building and to assist with locating resources for stabilization.  The event is February 4^th from 2pm – 5pm, and there will be food, music, as well as a Navy Yard Powerhouse Tour available.  Tickets are $35 ($45 after February 2^nd).  Please consider attending and helping to support saving this historic structure.

The Preservation Society of Charleston is a local non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating and encouraging interest in the preservation of our historic buildings, sites and structures in Charleston.  It is the nation’s oldest non-profit community and membership preservation organization.  For more information, please visit their website or call 843-722-4630.