THE BLUE MOUNTAINS - Local Grannies hope to see romance, music and generosity this Valentine's weekend.

The Thornbury Clarksburg Rotary Club is hosting a Valentine Dance at the Marsh Street Centre featuring the Georgian Sound Big Band with proceeds going to the local Grey Grannies and the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign.

In addition to the dance, the Grey Grannies will have a silent auction with items from local businesses including ski passes, restaurant meal vouchers and gift certificates.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation supports community-based organizations working to turn the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa. The Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign has local Grey Grannies chapters raising funds, awareness and solidarity for the fight against AIDS. Grandmothers in Africa are fast becoming the bridge for children orphaned when their parents die of HIV/AIDS. Grandmothers take in their grandchildren, and despite being tired and starving, give them the best home they can. The Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign supports those dealing with the loss of their own children and caring for AIDS orphans. Money provides food, school fees, uniforms, social support, education grants, medicine, opportunities for earning a living and even coffins to offer dignified burial of their loved ones. Visit www.stephenlewisfoundation.org for more information.

Tickets for the Valentine's dance are $18 and available at the door and also in advance at Thornbury Pharmasave, The Crow's Nest in Collingwood, Stuff to Read in Meaford and Riverside Graphics in Clarksburg.

Tickets can be purchased with VISA and MasterCard at the door.

The dance starts at 8:30pm on Friday, February 12. The Rotary Club will be running a "wine and beer only" cash bar, and the Grannies will be preparing and serving refreshments.  David Wilding-Davies of Ashanti Coffee will supply coffee for the event.