24th Chocolate Fantasy Raises More than 100000 for Boys Girls Clubs

Community members enjoyed desserts, champagne, bidding, and dancing to a live band while supporting local kids and teens at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside’s 24th annual Chocolate Fantasy on Feb. 10. Attendees enjoyed savory and sweet treats from local restaurants, bakeries and chocolatiers, along with champagne, at the historic Mitten Building in Redlands. The event, which raised about $110,000, included live and silent auctions and a raffle for an Apple Watch Series 3. Roses, carnations and tea lights were on each table and all three levels of the Mitten Building were lit with twinkle lights. Club kids and teens welcomed guests and gave out information about the Club’s scholarship fund. The event’s Grand Chocolatier sponsors were Rowena and James Ramos, and Diana and Dave McLaughlin. Vendors included Greensleeves Steakhouse, Parliament Chocolate, Michelle’s Bakery, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Jimmy John’s, Mill Creek Cattle Company, Ritual Brewing, State Street Winery, Lunch at the Mitten, Jose’s Mexican Food and Old Spaghetti Factory. Local wine experts Philip Paxton and Annette Weis of Langa Cellars poured wines from a variety of California wineries, a new feature this year. “We could not have pulled off another successful Chocolate Fantasy without our generous sponsors, tons of support from local businesses, and everyone in the community who supports our kids,” said Club CEO P.T. McEwen. Attendees voted for their favorite restaurant, chocolate maker, and decorations. Michelle’s won Chocolatier and Decorations of the Year, and Lunch at the Mitten won Restaurateur of the Year. Ray Watts, associate vice president for development at the University of Redlands, was the live auctioneer. “Ray conducted a lively, energetic auction to benefit our kids,” said Kate Salvesen, the Club’s Vice President for Resource Development. Auction items included a week in Paris, “Hamilton”, on Broadway, a private tour of Disney animatronics creator Garner Holt Productions, and dinner at the Rancho Mirage home of Tim Rochford. “We’re excited for next year, our 25th Chocolate Fantasy,” Salvesen said. “We hope to get the whole community involved.” The 25th Chocolate Fantasy is Feb. 9, 2019.