This Valentine’s Day, lovebirds in Mahwah are being encouraged to celebrate Cupid’s holiday in an unconventional way. The Saddle River Valley Junior Woman’s Club is hosting “Wine Down To Fight Hunger And Homelessness,” on February 16. Couples are being asked to replace candy and flowers with a charity event to benefit the Center for Food Action in Mahwah.

The event will play up the romance of the holiday; “Wine Down” will feature fine wines and gourmet foods at Seasons in Washington Township. However, sweethearts will get a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that their displays of affection are for a good cause, as proceeds from the night go to the CFA.

According to the group's President Denise Mercier, the idea for the event came from members of the group who “are always brainstorming ways to give back. It’s hard to believe that people in your own neighborhood can be having trouble making end’s meet, and we want to do what we can to help that,” she said.

To help, Mercier, event chair Julie Belardinelli, and the rest of the club members have added a loaded favor bag and silent auction for attendees. Some of the items up for auction include signed Mario Batali signature orange crocs, pro sports tickets,  a hot air balloon ride, jewelry, trips within the US and abroad, beauty and salon packages, gourmet foods and wines, high end fashions and many other prizes.

The Women’s Club is a 501(c)3 charity organization that focuses on women volunteerism and social interactions. This chapter accepts members from Saddle River and surrounding towns. Founded in 1968, the group currently has about 30 members.

Mercier said the whole club is urging locals to think outside the roses and chocolates this Valentine’s Day. “People should just think of how many people we will be able to feed with this event, and that makes it the perfect gift,” she said.

More information is available at the Saddle River Valley Junior Woman’s Club website.