It was a different shell for Kokomo’s biggest candy event, but the chocolaty tastes and aromas inside were the same as always.
Visitors bustled among 25 vendors Friday as they sampled the decadent selections offered at Samaritan Caregivers’ annual Chocolate Celebration.
The fundraiser, which serves as the nonprofit’s second-highest grossing fundraiser behind The Duck Derby every summer, moved from its previous location at Kokomo Mall.
Construction at the mall closed off the hall that used to house the event, so chocolate fanatics shuffled over to First Church of the Nazarene this year.
“It was not a decision that could be made quickly or easily,” said Jamey Henderson, executive director of Samaritan Caregivers.
The decision appeared to pay off.
Sherry Otto, Chocolate Celebration’s chairwoman, said the crowd seemed equal, if not larger, than last year.
“It feels like we have been recycling tickets a lot quicker,” Otto said. “We’ve heard mostly positive comments.”
Shop owners, chefs and others skilled in crafting with cocoa arrayed their finest selections to entice the eyes and collect tickets from the hungry horde that swarmed the church.
Matt Gaines, who owns The Gingerbread Bakery with his wife, Lauren, stood behind a table covered with chocolate suckers, chocolate peanuts, chocolate cashews and a featured item that clashed with all the brown surroundings — red velvet doughnut.
“We have a lot left, but that’s because we sold out last year and brought extra,” he said. “From what we can tell, it’s a lot busier this year.”
Chocolate Celebration serves as a marketing medium for many of the vendors, including those who are not normally associated with food, Otto said.
“The kind of places like assisted living, skilled nursing, they want the public to know they have some excellent food,” she said.
The “Best Beverage” category winner, for example, was Waterford Place Health Campus.
The senior and assisted-living residence used Chocolate Celebration to show off a favorite of its tenants, fortified hot chocolate, which has a protein boost from powdered milk. The hot chocolate contains a mix of cream and Half & Half to add richness to the beverage, which is a two-year winner.
“If you’re in a situation where you’re sick or after surgery, this will help you heal,” said Andrew Lynch, Waterford Place’s food service director.
The money from all the sweet treats that sold Friday will go toward Samaritan Caregivers general fund.
Last year, Chocolate Celebration raised about $10,000 for the organization, Henderson said.
The goal for this year is $12,000. A final fundraising total was not available Friday afternoon.
“From the looks of the crowd, I would say we would be right on target,” she said.
• Daniel Human is the Kokomo Tribune business reporter. He can be reached at 765-454-8570 or at daniel.human@kokomotribune.com.
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