Nonprofit organization Friend to Friend has announced its latest plans for a fundraising event that is "destined to be the talk of the town," says a spokesman. "Invitations went out today to a select group of Moore County residents to attend the inaugural 'Virtual Event to Remember' to benefit the area's only organization dedicated to the support of victims of domestic violence and services designed to prevent violence and sexual assault in our community."

This creative effort enlists supporters to "not attend this non-event" by allowing donors to respond with commitments like:

n Watching TV on the couch

n Watching TV on the couch with glass of champagne

n Watching TV on the couch with glass of champagne and chocolate

n All of the above, and perhaps a little more

With a promise to participants to have absolutely nowhere to go, no ties to tie, no heels to strap on, no standing in line and no waiting for refreshments, this "virtual event" is sure to please everyone, says the spokesman.

Requested donations start at just $150, with 100 percent of all money raised going directly to Friend to Friend.

"The event is virtual but the need is very real," said Jackie Thamm, executive director of Friend to Friend. "Our Board of Directors was very creative in coming up with this fun new twist to enlist the support of our community in a time of great need for the organization. The economic times can lead to budget cuts and unfortunately to even greater demand for our services in support of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We hope the area embraces our idea to not attend this non-event and in so doing donate to such a worthy cause."

To participate, those interested can call Friend to Friend at (910) 944-3333, e-mail friend@pinehurst.net or mail a donation to Friend To Friend, 111 McNeill St., Carthage, NC 28327.

For further information or to see a copy of the invitation, visit www.moorefriends.org.

Friend to Friend is currently in its 20th year of service as the only domestic violence and sexual assault crises agency in Moore County. The organization provides comprehensive services that include emergency safe shelter, counseling, a crisis hot line, court advocacy and accompaniment, and the Child Assault Prevention Program (CAPP) in Moore County Schools. The mission of Friend to Friend is to help build a community in which everyone is free from the threat of physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

A Friend to Friend Thrift Shop is located at 113 McNeill Street, Carthage.