When it's time to support their efforts, I'll do it.

And when women plan an event to benefit those in need, I'll be there.

For more than 10 years, WOMEN (Women Organized to Mentor, Empower and Network) of Southwestern PA, Inc. have provided financial assistance to women and children in need.

For its third Symphony of Food fund-raiser, WOMEN will highlight the culinary talents of eight distinguished women. Each one boasting a passion for creating great-tasting food and a commitment to Symphony's guests.

Eight exceptional culinary artists have planned a wonderful menu which includes a Tuscan antipasto and parmesan/artichoke gratin by Jacky Fife-Bella Sera; hors d'oeuvres featuring tasting spoons of ahi tuna and blackened chicken salad, short rib sliders and dates/blue cheese wrapped in prosciutto, Gretchen Corrado-Gretchen's Good Eats; spring mix salad with homemade sunflower vinaigrette, Jennifer Girasole-Girasole; mushroom bisque, Rania Harris-Rania's Catering; champagne sorbet by Carolyn Yurkovich-Cooking with Carolyn; cedar-plank roasted scallop over braised red cabbage w/citrus sauce, Clare Lise-Mitchell's Fish Market; and chili-rubbed pork tenderloin filets w/caramelized onion risotto and apricot glaze, Jessica Bauer-Bistro 19.

And as we all believe, no meal would be complete without a decadent dessert. Jessica Gombar of The Pie Place will provide tempting mini-pies with Swiss chocolate cream and Key lime fillings.

Internationally known singer and Peters resident Christina Chirumbolo, along with Paul Calise on accordion, will entertain as dinner guests enjoy a sumptuous six-course meal. Light-hearted music such as "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Volare" will be a perfect complement to great food.

Raffles include a Wagon of Cheer, filled with 30 bottles of wine and spirits, valued at more than $1,000; and a year-long Cooking Series with Rania, valued at $1,300.

Pittsburgh Sports for All Seasons and a Shopping Spree with assorted gift cards and certificates are just two themes featured in Chinese auction baskets, each valued at $300 or more.

"Symphony of Food provides funds for our philanthropic focus of women and children in need," said Donna Nardine, WOMEN's event cosponsor. "Due to recent cutbacks in state and federal funding and declining grant opportunities, WOMEN has received more applications than ever. We hope to exceed all prior years' fund-raising goals. Bring a few friends for a delightful evening and to help make a positive difference in our community."

To ensure a successful event, Symphony's chefs and participating restaurants have donated 100 percent of their food, time and staff.

Symphony of Food offers an enjoyable evening at the classic Bella Sera. Why not gather a few friends for an exciting evening featuring excellence in the kitchen by local women chefs--all the while helping those in need?

For individual tickets or corporate tables of 12, call 412-310-3722.

Grant applications from charitable and community organizations in Allegheny, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties are being accepted for funding distribution in May.