A snake draped about the neck was possibly the last accessory anyone was expecting to encounter at Yelp Hartford‘s first annual Red and Black Ball. The event was an opportunity to sample food and learn about area non-profit organizations, such as the snake-wielding Connecticut Audubon Society.
Over 25 organizations provided information about their services and how potential volunteers could get involved. Caitlin Thayer, with Hartford Habitat for Humanity, explained that all volunteers would be given the same task to accomplish on a given day, regardless of prior ability; they would be taught the skills needed. The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity has been working on a sixteen house project on South Marshall Street.
Some of the other local organizations in attendance included 
Charter Oak Cultural Center, Connecticut Association of Foster & Adoptive Parents, Connecticut Humane Society, Foodshare, Hands on Hartford, Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective, Interval House, Junior League of Hartford, MACC Charities, New Britain Museum of American Art, Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Real Art Ways, Stonewall Speakers, The Connecticut Forum, and YWCA Hartford Region.
Besides information, some groups had freebies like pens and candy; the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective offered rather generous-sized safer sex kits at this 21+ only event.
Local restaurants, caterers, and breweries plied attendees with spicy shots of gazpacho and chocolate mojitos. NoRA Cupcake of Middletown had Irish Car Bomb and Raspberry Lemonade slightly-larger-than-bite-sized cupcakes for the sampling.
Donations from the event will go to Hands On Hartford.