20th Annual Chocolate Fantasy by Christian Shepherd - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ NOVEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

20th Annual Chocolate Fantasy

By Christian Shepherd, Community Writer
February 12, 2014 at 05:33pm. Views: 94

Last Saturday, February 9, from 7-11 p.m., the Boys and Girls Clubs, centered in Redlands, hosted their Twentieth Annual Chocolate Fantasy Fundraiser at the Mitten Building in Downtown Redlands in order to raise donations for the range of different programs and scholarships that the organization provides for kids in the Inland Empire. The event was black-tie preferred and was a twenty-one and over event. Tickets were set to $75 each. There were around thirty volunteers hosting the evening and over three hundred guests who attended. Before the doors had even opened, $50,000 had already been raised through pre-sale and early donations; half of the $100,000 goal for the event. Local business owners, large companies, individual donors, and generous affiliates attended a night filled with wine, champagne, live music, gourmet cuisine, and most of all, dozens of different types of chocolate creations, ranging from chocolate fondue to dark chocolate truffles and white chocolate covered cakes to chocolate fondue. Businesses like State Street Winery and Hangar 24 served their unique wines and beers to attendees, while restaurants like Famous Dave’s and Mill Cattle Creek Company provided chocolate-and-bacon covered strawberries and whole brisket, respectively. With over twelve different vendors in different specialties, attendees had more than enough to sample throughout the evening. The moment guests walked into the main floor of the event they were welcomed by rows of gift baskets that were open for silent bidding electronically through devices provided by BidPal, a company specializing in the automation of auctioning. The Master of Ceremonies, Ross French, guided the silent auction throughout the night to make sure that no package went without a bid. A traditional live auction was also included and lead by Eric Goddard and Mike Reynolds. Bidders were able to compete for prizes such as an all-expenses paid seven day/six night trip to Alaska, ring side seats to an upcoming Lakers vs. Clippers game, and tickets to an upcoming football game to Super Bowl participants, Denver Broncos. All the funds raised went directly to benefit the kids in the Boys and Girls Clubs’ programs. Jannete Auguar, donator, says, “I love knowing that the kids are benefitting from tonight in a great way and that we get to have fun while helping.” When asked about her favorite part of the fundraiser, Kelley Bowden, Board of Director member, responded with, “Being able to help the kids in our programs in a significant way.” Boards and films of Boys and Girls Club members were shown throughout the evening. One member, Khang Nguyen, had his portrait displayed on the main floor, “Through programs like Power Hour I have the tools I need to succeed in school.” Donators, supporters, and affiliates of the program were able to raise a total of over $90,000 throughout the night to help the Boys and Girls Club continue to make significant impacts on the lives of kids.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: Grand Terrace Woman's Club

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

November 13, 2026 at 04:48pm. Views: 154

Join the celebration on Sunday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Richard Rollins Community Park. Come play, have fun, win prizes and help celebrate 48 years of Grand Terrace!

Photo Courtesy of: BBOP Center

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 668

BBOP Information Session The Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center, an Inland Empire economic and workforce development hub and a project of Time for Change Foundation, has launched Pathways to Prosperity, its Employment Training Pathway Program (ETPP), a comprehensive workforce initiative designed to connect residents facing barriers to employment with the skills, credentials, hands-on experience and employer relationships needed to enter and advance in high-demand careers.

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino's California Theatre from 1930

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 463

Nearly a century after opening its doors, the downtown landmark remains an important connection between the city's entertainment history and its cultural future. In downtown San Bernardino, the California Theatre of the Performing Arts stands as a reminder of a time when attending a movie or live performance was one of the most anticipated social occasions in a growing Southern California city.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 432

With winter approaching, emergency officials are coordinating flood prevention, roadway maintenance and public alerts to help residents prepare for dangerous weather. A heavy rainstorm can change the landscape of San Bernardino in a matter of hours. Streets that ordinarily carry commuters and school buses can become difficult to navigate, drainage channels can fill rapidly, and neighborhoods near foothills may face increased risks from flooding and debris.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 417

A sweeping decision involving California's most serious criminal sentences has drawn strong opposition from San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson, placing the county's chief prosecutor at the center of a statewide debate over justice, victims' rights and executive authority.

Photo Courtesy of: West Valley Water District

By Socorro Pantaleon, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:14am. Views: 313

Group photos of WVWD Board Members and winning students of the 2026 Poster Contest

Photo Courtesy of: CalKIDS

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:13am. Views: 505

During National Scholarship Month, families are encouraged to check their eligibility for scholarships supporting college and career training.

Photo Courtesy of: Khouri Evans-Dangerfield

By Mike Hoover. President, Inland Empire Civil War Round Table, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 321

University of Redlands student Khouri Evans-Dangerfield will examine slavery, constitutional law and the decisions that divided a nation during a free November 15 presentation at A.K. Smiley Public Library.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 322

November 11 screening of acclaimed film “All We Imagine as Light” invites students and community members to experience international cinema and discussion. Films can transport audiences to places they have never visited, introduce them to unfamiliar experiences and encourage them to consider how people in different parts of the world navigate relationships, work and personal challenges.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Willam Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 328

A decision announced in Sacramento could change the sentences of hundreds of California prisoners, bringing renewed attention to the death penalty and the future of criminal punishment across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom announced November 5 that he intends to commute the death sentences of all 548 people currently sentenced to death in California.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 386

November 21 event at Olive Avenue Market will introduce residents to drought-tolerant landscaping, city rebates and the benefits of native plants. A beautiful garden does not have to depend on a large lawn or plants that require frequent watering.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 263

A school announcement can contain information that changes a family's entire afternoon. A reminder about an upcoming meeting, a schedule adjustment or a message from a teacher may determine when a parent leaves work, arranges transportation or helps a child prepare for the next school day.

--> -->