The Southwest Care Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico helps people living with HIV / AIDS. To finance its services, it holds a number of fundraisers throughout the year including fancy dinners, parties and a Burlesque Gala. What could be better than having a great time while helping people in need? This year, I created two signature cocktails served at the Celebrity Chef Dinner at La Posada Resort. One of the drinks featured locally made Vodka Viracocha, and the nonalcoholic alternative featured Fre Alcohol-Removed Brut. I was excited to have both options so that those wishing to imbibe could do so, and those on medication to deal with their illnesses could also indulge without consuming alcohol. The $200 per person dinner was an experience to remember. Four acclaimed chefs who head renown restaurants in Santa Fe each created a course for the fabulous dinner, and nationally recognized burlesque performers were in attendance and one sang a heartfelt song about being kind, certainly an anthem for the Southwest Care Center.The sumptuous dinner included the following treats: Appetizer from Rocky Durham of the Santa Fe Culinary Academy:Wild Mushroom Tamale with Lobster and Sauce Americaine Starter from Carmen Rodriguez of Fuego Restaurant:Three Sisters Soup Main Course from Eric DiStefano of Coyote Café and Geronimo:Burgundy Braised Short Rib with Sweet Potato Flan and Cepollini Onions with Sauce Mirza Dessert from Mark Kiffin of The Compound:Chocolate Cherry Bomb The fun continued the following night with the Burlesque Gala which featured singing, dancing, debauchery and an auction featuring wonderful donated items such as jewelry, art, clothing and more.Raising money is not always an easy task so being creative and appealing to the community is a skill. In a small town such as Santa Fe, being able to raise money for a worthy cause while enjoying fine food or a glamorous night out is especially appreciated! Cocktail Recipes:The Vamp, created by Natalie Bovis1 1/2 ounces Vodka Viracocha3/4 ounce orange liqueur3/4 ounce fresh lemon juicesplash pomegranate juiceGarnish: lemon wheelShake all ingredients witch ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.The Tease (nonalcoholic) created by Natalie Bovis1/2 ounce grenadine1 ounce pineapple juice3 ounces Fre Alcohol-Removed BrutGarnish: sugar rimRim a champagne glass with sugar. Gently pour in pineapple juice and Fre Alcohol-Removed brut. Drizzle grenadine in last to create a layered effect.