After a smashing success last year, what was supposed to be a one-time event celebrating 100 years of Girl Scouts, will be returning in March to raise funds for the Girl Scouts of Southern New England, said spokesperson Rachel Pintarelli.

The event, called “Cookies & Cocktails,” which is set for March 8th at the Crowne Plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., has a number of Rhode Island restaurants and vendors that will be serving guests. The one returning vendor from last year is the Newport Restaurant Group, while new vendors include Knead Doughnuts, Ellie’s Bakery, Johnny Granata’s and Aquilante’s Bistro & Tavern, a release stated.

Pintarelli said that each vendor will create a dessert that is either made out of or significantly incorporates one or several of the signature Girl Scout cookies.

Along with the unique dessert creations, there will be hors d’oeuvres and cocktails served by the vendors. Pintarelli said that the event is 21, meaning no underage Girl Scouts will attend, because it is more geared towards raising the visibility of Girl Scouts on a “different level” and getting sponsors/donors to give money to the organization.

“It’s a very popular theme across the country,” she said about alcohol being served at an event meant to raise money for Girl Scouts. “It has the blessing of Girl Scouts USA and is a great fundraiser for new sponsors and donors.”

She said that last year $25,000 was raised from the event. This year, tickets are $60 per person and sponsors will also pay a fee to get their company/organization advertised.

The funds raised from the event help pay for camperships, financial aid, programming costs, and troop leader training, so “the funds all go back into the organization, which helps support the girls,” Pintarelli said.

The event will also feature both live and silent auction items to be bid on, and, like last year, the television news anchor Mario Hilario will emcee.

“It’s hard to express what a good time it is,” Pintarelli said. “Everyone loves Girl Scout cookies and this elevates them to a magical level. There’s a frenzy of happiness in the room.”