Despite the recession, partygoers can "paint the town red" with affordable elegance -- sampling wines and enjoying world class cuisine and tempting auction packages -- at the 12th annual Reds, Whites & Desserts fundraising event for the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Conference Center at NorthPointe, 9243 Columbus Pike, will host and sponsor the event for the fifth year on Saturday, May 16, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Additional major sponsors of the 2009 event are B&C Blacktop Sealing Co., Mount Carmel St. Ann's and Worthington Jewelers.

A festive red color palette will showcase the wines, desserts and silent auction packages in NorthPointe's Grand Ballroom, where guests will enjoy a chef-attended Fresh Mozzarella and Antipasti Market presented by NorthPointe's award-winning executive chef, Mark Moran. Additional hors d'oeuvres served to guests will include Genoa Salami and Montrachet Crostini; Spring Pea Coulis; White Truffle Tenderloin Canap; and Panzanella Bruschetta.

Chamber-member wine retailers who are presenting approximately 40 wines for sampling include Brookside Golf and Country Club, Buca di Beppo, Cameron's American Bistro, House Wine, J. Liu, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Signature Wines and Two Brothers Wine & Spirits.

Desserts donated by chamber member bakeries, restaurants and caterers will be available for sampling and for silent auction. A coffee bar will be presented by Scottie's Coffee & Tea House.

Event goers will have the opportunity to "shop" for dozens of themed silent auction baskets that offer family excursions and romantic getaways, jewelry, theater tickets, hotel and restaurant gift certificates, golf packages, sports tickets and other items.

Highlighting this year's auction line-up are a week-long stay in a condo at Myrtle Beach from Barb and Ken Island Vista; a $2,500 ruby, diamond and white gold pendant and earring set handcrafted by Worthington Jewelers; Family Zoo and Gourmet Affair packages from the Conference Center at NorthPointe; and some popular favorites -- a Lake Erie fishing excursion from Fire Escape Charters and a $1,500 asphalt/paving package from B&C Blacktop Sealing.

Wine station sponsors include Anthony Lordo D.D.S., CSGraphics, Dayton Precision Services, First Place Bank, The Guernsey Bank, Insurance Partners Group Ltd., King Business Interiors, Landis Properties, Rea Strategic Services, Tilton's Automotive Service and Trinity Financial Advisors LLC.

"Patron" sponsors include Jesse Marketing Associates, The Laurels of Norworth and Worthington, Schoedinger Funeral Services, ThisWeek Community Newspapers and Worthington Square.

"Friend" level sponsors are ARC Industries, The Cachet Hair Salon, Park National Bank, The Rite Bite and Saul and Saul LLC.

Reservations at $50 per person are still available and can be made by phone at 888-3040 or online at www.worthingtonchamber.org.

Chamber members are encouraged to bring co-workers, clients, neighbors and relatives - anyone who enjoys wine, food and a festive party atmosphere. Cocktail/semi-formal attire or dressy business attire are appropriate for the event.

Guests can end the evening with an overnight stay at The Conference Center at NorthPointe, offered at special rates. Rooms should be booked in advance by calling Erin Ellis at (614) 880-4202.