RALEIGH, N.C. – April 15, 2014 – Triangle Family Services will host its 12th annual Gingerbread Benefit on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. This daylong fundraising benefit features more than 25 elaborate gingerbread houses donated and created for the nonprofit by area celebrity chefs.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa, North Carolina’s premier five star property, has been named as the presenting sponsor for the event. The Umstead Hotel has been a loyal supporter and advocate of Triangle family Services and the Gingerbread Benefit for more than four years.

“We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with The Umstead Hotel and Spa and appreciate their continued support of the annual Gingerbread Benefit,” said Alice Lutz, CEO of Triangle Family Services. “The Umstead Hotel and Spa allows us to bring together event participants and supporters across the Triangle to celebrate the winter holiday and aid Triangle Family Services in its mission to help families in crisis.”

Three unique events will take place throughout the Benefit:

Gingerbread House Sneak Preview

The “Sneak Preview” will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attendees will be the first to see 12th anniversary gingerbread houses, designed by the Triangle’s finest chefs and bakers, enjoy festive holiday music and vote for their favorite and most creative gingerbread house. Tickets are $25 per guest and the event is open to the public.

Santa’s Gingerbread Workshop

Santa’s Gingerbread Workshop will take place from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Children will be able to decorate and take home their own gingerbread houses as they listen to Santa share traditional holiday stories. Each child will be greeted by Santa’s helpers and will receive an individual picture with Santa. Tickets are $55 per child or $195 for a family of four. This event also features specialty treats and drinks designed for both children and adults.

Evening Gingerbread Benefit

The evening Gingerbread Benefit, for adults only, will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the exquisite gingerbread houses as well as bid on an extensive list of live and silent auction items, including jewelry, exciting travel and getaways, dining and sports items while enjoying holiday music, beer and wine. The Culinary team of The Umstead Hotel and Spa will prepare savory delicacies at the event for all attendees to enjoy. Tickets cost $125 per guest.

All proceeds from the evening will support the programs of Triangle Family Services. For more information about the benefit or to purchase tickets for any of the events, visit www.tfsnc.org.

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Triangle Family Services’ Twitter Page:

http://www.twitter.com/TFSNC

Triangle Family Services’ Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Triangle-Family-Services/212971207432

About Triangle Family Services:

For 77 years, Triangle Family Services has served as a safety net in the community for the most vulnerable families. Its mission, “Building a stronger community by strengthening the family,” is fulfilled by providing programs in three key areas: financial stability, family safety and mental health services. Last year alone, Triangle Family Services served more than 5,000 Triangle area residents, with 87 percent living below the poverty level.

About The Umstead Hotel and Spa

The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a singular, sophisticated triumph in North Carolina’s northeastern Piedmont region, an area rich in beauty and rooted in innovation. The state’s most highly rated hotel, it boasts stunning interiors punctuated with privately curated fine art, 150 spacious guest rooms and suites, world-class cuisine, a stimulating and recently renovated spa, gracious staff, and a serene woodland setting. The Umstead is a recipient of both the AAA Five Diamond award and Forbes Five Star rating. Located in Cary, North Carolina, The Umstead is just minutes from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Research Triangle Park, and within a short drive of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. For more information, visit www.theumstead.com and connect with The Umstead on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

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