DATE: Sunday, September 28, 1997            TAG: 9709260364

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 15   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY MARK YOUNG, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   36 lines

BENEFIT FOR SUGAR PLUM BAKERY OFFERS NIGHT OF MOONLIGHT, MUSIC

There may not be sugar plum fairies at the ``Party under the Autumn Moon'' Nov. 1 for the Sugar Plum Bakery, but there will be dancing, moonlight and music at lovely Back Bay Farm.

Visitors to the city's southern half are familiar with the striking, white-fenced facility near the intersection of Princess Anne and Indian River roads. Thoroughbred horses and Argentine criollo polo ponies trot about the farm's pastures.

The gala event is a vital effort for the bakery, a training facility for the developmentally disabled, in operation since 1987.

Last year a record $43,000 was raised. ``We don't do a lot of different things throughout the year,'' said the gala's co-chairperson, Julie McCollum, ``this is our one major fund-raiser.''

At this year's event roast oysters and barbecue will be on the menu. Dance music will be provided by ``Off the Record.'' WFOG radio program director Mike Smith will act as master of ceremonies. A silent auction will be held featuring 200 items donated by local businesses and individuals. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes food, beverages, entertainment and entry into the silent auction.

The bakery helps developmentally disabled individuals build the skills necessary to gain and maintain employment. Since its beginning, 375 people have been trained. Currently there are 20 workers employed at the bakery and 20 more in other jobs in the area.

The bakery operates a retail shop at 1353 Laskin Road and provides pastries and other baked goods to eating establishments across the area. MEMO: For more information or to help with the annual gala, call

422-3913.

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