Light & Love Dinner 2026

The door opens at Essence at 5:30 pm with the dinner beginning at 6 pm.

"A unique pre-Valentine’s Day dining experience, blending love, light, and philanthropy."

Sophisticated Five-Course Blind Chef's Tasting:  A customized dinner of gastronomic artistry meticulously crafted to delight discerning palates, showcasing complex flavor profiles and innovative culinary techniques. And, Essence will gift each guest with one drink.

Intimate Setting: Limited to 32 couples with the ambiance of 150 candles, ensuring an exclusive and personalized evening and the enchanting sounds of an Elkhart County Symphony string quartet. Featuring Andrew Nowicki, violin, Maggie Nowicki, violin, Rachel Horning, viola, and Matthew Roth, cello, these musicians will open the evening fundraiser.

Purpose: A meaningful evening dedicated to supporting Elkhart County families battling cancer, featuring a special silent auction to amplify community support.

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Time: arrive at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m.

Donations of $300 or more per couple will confirm your table reservation.

Donations of $250 per couple will confirm your bar seating reservation.

Please inform us of your dietary restrictions based on religion or health.

Special thanks to our Sponsor Momentum Marketing.