Food and friends came together for the benefit of a local charity.

Langley Milestones regulars were treated to an elegant evening on the Mediterraneaninspired patio, with food, drink, and song - that also helped out the Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association.

Milestones staff offered their guests fare fresh off the outdoor grill, with cool cocktails and live music by local talent Mitch Laser.

"This night was our opportunity to not only thank our regulars for their support," assistant manager Jaivin Khatri said, "but also an opportunity to care for our local community."

More than $3,400 was raised for the VTEA, benefiting children whose lives are changed as they discover new freedoms on horseback.

VTEA vice-president Lance Nadeau called the evening "an unqualified success, doubling the estimated receipts. We cannot express how important these funds are to VTEA and every penny will go to supporting operations kicking off our fall sessions."

Langley Milestones general manager Chris Bradburn is planning on turning it into an annual event, remarking on the generosity of others who participated with donations.

. More online at www.langleyadvance.com