Charleston residents got into the Christmas spirit while raising funds for Christmas in the Heart of Charleston at the 17th Annual Yuletides Tunes and Treats event on Wednesday at What’s Cookin’ restaurant.

At the event, What’s Cookin’ restaurant held a dessert buffet and silent auction, and local musicians Tom Vance and the band Motherlode provided musical entertainment.

Diane Ratliff, tourism and special events supervisor for Charleston, said Yuletide Tunes and Treats is one of two yearly fundraisers for Christmas in the Heart of Charleston.

Ratliff said many of the attendees use the silent auction as a way to get a head start on their Christmas shopping.

Local merchants donated the silent auction items, including gift certificates to local restaurants, tickets to Eastern basketball games and donated baskets.

Because Christmas in the Heart is free to the public, Ratliff said this fundraiser, along with their “Christmas in July” trivia night, is pertinent to make sure enough funds are raised to provide entertainment,

“We rely heavily on the community’s support and donations,” she said.

Robert Kincade, owner of What’s Cookin’ restaurant, said he enjoys being able to host the yearly event.

“It’s a nice way to get into the holiday spirit and kick off the season,” he said.

Kincade said he also enjoys seeing attendees enjoy the desserts donated by the restaurant, including peach cobbler, pumpkin pie and the restaurant’s most popular dessert item, strawberry bread.

Wendy Meyer, guitar player for Motherlode, said their band has been playing at the Yultide Tunes and Treats for many years, and they always enjoy being a part of the event.

Meyer said she also supports Christmas in the Heart of Charleston, so she is glad the funds go towards the cause.

“We want the Square to be vibrant and have lots of people enjoying themselves then,” she said.

Event attendee and Charleston resident Janet Messenger said although this was her first time attending the event, she thinks the event is a positive way to support the community.

“I really like just being with friends and listening to the entertainment, and it does get you in the holiday spirit,” she said.

Sara Hall can be reached at 581-2812

or [email protected].