Samaritan Caregivers enjoys 27th successful Chocolate Celebration
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Can a person suffer death by chocolate? Doctors say it would take more than 700 chocolate bars -- 20 pounds of the sweet stuff -- to have this printed on your death certificate.
But those doctors never attended the Samaritan Caregivers Chocolate Celebration. Now in its 27th year, the event brought chocolate to the masses in an amazingly varied -- but non-lethal -- array of desserts, snacks, and even main courses.
Hundreds of local chocolate lovers packed into One Church on May 2, determined to snatch up the best cookie, cake, or candy while benefitting a great cause. And just like every other year, the early birds picked the best booths clean.
That's not to say there were bad offerings. Every one of the dozens of booths, sponsored and operated by a bevy of community-minded local businesses, had something delicious to share. Certainly, no one went home disappointed, though they may have had a bit of trouble falling asleep that evening due to the caffeine buzz that accompanies a good chocolate.
The Chocolate Celebration is memorable for its chocolate, obviously, but the event offered quite a bit more. There was a silent auction of gift baskets featuring some incredible items. And the Kokomo Men of Note wended their way through the crowd to serenade chocolate lovers throughout the day.
In the final hour of the celebration, students from the Kokomo Area Career Center engaged in a different type of competition. Three teams took an assortment of chocolate, graham crackers, pretzels, and other tasty snacks and constructed works of art with them.
While those attending the event perused and coveted the many offerings, an all-star line-up of celebrity judges prepared to sample and evaluate nearly every item offered at the event.
Leading the judges' panel was Randy Ollis, the retired weather wizard from WISH TV in Indianapolis. He was joined by Mayor Tyler Moore and veteran voice of WWKI Tammy Lively, along with several other notable faces willing to risk a chocolate overload.
When the judges' plates were finally licked clean and the tally taken, Samaritan Caregivers announced the several award-winning confections.
Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union won the baked product category with its Chocolate Crème Horns, provided by Baked Knightly. The Hobson came out on top in the beverage category with its Chocolate Mocktails with Gilded Truffle.
The Middle of Nowhere took home top prize in the cookie/bar/brownie category, while Ascension at Home/Compassus won the gluten-free category. The best pudding or ice cream could be found at Primrose Retirement, and Rozzi's Catering dominated the savory category. The best candy offering could be found at the Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo table.
There were several other winners, but the judges weren't the only ones picking favorites. The patrons voted with their tickets, and it took until the final moments of the celebration for the victors to emerge.
Cornerstone Caregiving took the Newcomer Award with its Chocolate Porter Cake, provided by Half Moon Restaurant & Brewery. And the coveted People's Choice Award -- essentially the best in show – went to Community First Bank of Indiana with its Signature Chocolate Cake with Mint Chocolate Chip Buttercream and Chocolate Ganache topped with Red Chocolate Rose, provided by J. Edwards Fine Chocolates & Gourmet Cakes), along with Heavenly Pecan Roast Coffee, provided by Big Ben Coffee.
Samaritan Caregivers, established in 1997, provides grocery assistance, Medicare counseling, transportation, and companionship to seniors aged 65 and older who may be homebound, income-restrained, or otherwise are in need of the services the organization provides. Additional information, including volunteer opportunities, can be found at www.samaritancaregivers.org.
See additional photos from this event on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.