MIAMI, FL--(Marketwire - January 27, 2011) - CHARLEE Homes for Children (www.charlee.org), a private non-profit agency that has helped thousands of children in the Miami-Dade foster care system begin a new life, announces its second "CHARLEE and the Chocolate Factory" celebration and fundraiser. The fantastic family-centered event will be held Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Evelyn Greer Park in Pinecrest, and promises to indulge the senses with delicious treats and games. Dave Barry, award-winning journalist and humor columnist for the Miami Herald, is master of ceremonies.

All proceeds from the event will benefit CHARLEE Homes for Children, the largest foster care provider in Miami-Dade County, serving over 1,000 children and youth each year. CHARLEE and the Chocolate Factory is a family event where children and adults alike can enjoy an assortment of carnival fun, games and sweet treats -- all for a great cause.

"CHARLEE and the Chocolate Factory is not only a one-of-a-kind event for the whole family, it's an opportunity to give back to a wonderful cause and impact the lives of children in the Miami-Dade foster care system," said Shelly Dimitrijevic, Event Chair.

"We're thrilled to have Dave Barry as our master of ceremonies, and we have delicious surprises in store for everyone," said Paula Brockway, Honorary Chair.

CHARLEE and the Chocolate Factory will transport guests to a Wonderland of fun, including:

• Oompa Loompa Parade
• Entertainment - jugglers, stilt-walkers, face-painters, caricature artists, dancers, magicians and more
• Delicious food and fun - bubble gum-blowing contest, candy shop, Lollipop Lane, gourmet treats
• Performances - SimpCity Dancers; The Mann Sisters, singing hit single "Breathe Slow" and Actor's Playhouse Musical Miracles: "Monsters on Broadway"
• Silent auction
• Chance to win amazing prizes with a Golden Ticket

To purchase event tickets, call 305-779-9793 or visit www.charlee.org, and click on the CHARLEE and the Chocolate Factory banner. Advance purchases before Feb. 11 are $100 for adults and $50 for children. Ticket prices will increase after Feb. 11. For more information, contact Suzy Schumer at CHARLEE, 305-779-9600 ext. 641, or info@charleeprogram.org.

About CHARLEE Homes for Children

CHARLEE (Children Have All Rights: Legal, Educational and Emotional) is a private not-for-profit agency that cares for children ages 0 to 23 years old in Miami-Dade County who have been placed in foster care or are at risk of being placed in foster care due to abuse, abandonment and neglect. CHARLEE's mission is to provide exceptional services, empowering children and families to succeed. For the past 27 years, CHARLEE has helped thousands of children in the foster care system begin a new life. With the privatization of the child welfare system in 2005, CHARLEE has doubled in size, providing services to more than 1000 children annually. For more information, visit www.charlee.org or call 305.779-9600.

Contact Information:

Media contacts
At CHARLEE:
Suzy Schumer
Executive Director

P: 305-400-4963 ext. 701