FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - ​The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.
 
Each year, #GivingTuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday in an effort to kick off the holiday giving season and to unite people in a day of generosity, inspiring them to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support. 

The event brought together over 20 of the regions finest pastry chefs, confectioners, bartenders, brewers and distillers, all vying for their dessert or cocktail to be crowned “Sweetest of the Sweet”, the evenings grand prize while raising dough for the arts.
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The Sweet Charity Dessert Challenge began nearly five years ago with the goal of highlighting the tremendous culinary talent which exists locally in our bakers, chef's, students, and mixologists who have a passion for anything sweet and the participants in this year’s event didn’t disappoint. Menu items ranged from a Chocolate Tamale with Fruit Pico de Gallo to Pumpkin Trifle Parfait with cocktail pairings including Kickin’ Cactus Cocoa and Vodka Gummy Bears. Attendees voted for their favorite dishes in each category and winners were announced from the main stage at the end of the night:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - It may not be considered the ‘most important meal of the day’ but it’s certainly the one no one wants to forget! From its simple beginnings of fruit and honeycomb to the culinary masterpieces involving liquid nitrogen and real gold dessert is the sweet treat that has never stopped giving.
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The 4th Annual Sweet Charity Dessert Challenge pits 30 of Southern Arizona’s best dessert designers against each other for the title of Sweetest of the Sweet, Sweet Charity Dessert Challenge Champion. Pastry chefs, restaurateurs, mixologists and students will all compete to see whose cuisine reigns supreme in a vote decided by the event attendees. 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Looking for one-of-a kind gifts or a great way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends? Kick things off with an incredible shopping experience at the Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts and Tree Lighting Celebration, December 3 and 4, 2016, at the Oro Valley Marketplace (southwest corner of Oracle Road and Tangerine Road).
 
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is once again partnering with the Town of Oro Valley to combine two well-beloved events into one fantastic holiday weekend. This two-day festival features original works of art and incredible craftsmanship at more than 150 artisan and exhibitor booths, more than 200 local student and community performers, a special visit by Santa, the always memorable Tuba Christmas performance, food trucks, and the lighting of the 35-foot holiday tree.