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Songs with heart

3 min read

Those looking for a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day gift may find it with the Cape Chorale. The local singing organization is currently taking reservations for its annual Singing Valentines. On Feb. 13-14, five quartets will travel throughout Lee County to serenade the lucky recipients with a few love songs. They are also treated to a personalized card, a rose and a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

The cost is $50 for each, but reservations made before Feb. 1 will receive a $5 off discount.

“It’s an interesting gift for Valentine’s Day,” John Wickes, chairman of the 2015 program, said. “It’s kind of a special gift, it’s unique. If you haven’t done it before, it comes across as a wow factor.”

The Cape Chorale started taking reservations for the Singing Valentines on Jan. 1.

“The plan is to do 120 max,” he said Thursday. “We’re only at about 25 percent (full) now.”

Wickes urged the public to book now, however, as the reservations fill up quickly.

The Cape Chorale will take reservations until Feb. 13 or until they run out of openings.

“We did 108 last year,” he said. “That was really double the prior year.”

For the $45 or $50, Wickes said the recipient will get “four classy guys in tuxedos.”

“We’ll show up anywhere in Lee County – restaurants, condos, houses, even by the pool,” he said.

With the card and candies, they will get a fresh rose from Cape Coral Floral Designs.

“And a lifetime memory,” Wickes said.

“People really love it, even guys,” he added. “We’ve sang to a couple guys.”

This year, the Singing Valentines will be delivered to a couple of large groups. For example, 10 men from a local RV park have all chipped in to have one of the quartets serenade their loves ones.

“The guys are surprising the ladies,” Wickes said.

Every year, the Cape Chorale sees a mix of repeat customers and new ones.

While a portion of the proceeds from the Singing Valentines will go toward the organization, the majority goes toward the Speech Pediatric Therapy Unit at the Lee Memorial Health System.

“Over the past 22 years or so that we’ve been doing this, we’ve given in excess of $30,000,” he said. “Last year, we gave them $1,000, and we did end up giving to two other charities a portion also.”

To reserve a Singing Valentine for a loved one, call (855) 4BLEND1 (425-3631).

Customers can pay by credit card or PayPal over the phone; cash and check are also accepted.

For more information on the Cape Chorale, visit online at: www.capechorale.org.