Who can say no to Chocolate & More? Fundraiser benefits Ashland Christian Health Center
Thousands of pieces of sweet treats await enjoyment this weekend during the Ashland Christian Health Center's spring fundraiser: Chocolate & More.
It's the 11th year for the event and the first time it will be held at the Ashland Middle School, according to Cheryl Benway, the organization's executive director.
"We really do it with the community in mind to offer them an opportunity to share and engage with us," Benway said.
The middle school's address is 1520 King Road in Ashland.
The event runs 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
'Money goes into providing general patient care'
The day starts with a VIP hour from 1 to 2 p.m.
"Last year was our first year doing that," Benway said. "It was really successful."
The early guests donate a premium rate of $30 each — or $50 for a couple — for the chance to browse thousands of candies.
Each person who attends gets to eat 10 pieces of candy during the event.
The first who arrive get to make their selections before everyone else has already taken their favorites.
"You really do get the value of the extra entry fee," Benway said. "All of that money goes into providing general patient care."
Visitors during the VIP hour also receive a free tote bag and a hot chocolate drink bar.
Three ticket price levels available for guests
The event continues from 2 to 4 p.m. with the arrival of general admission guests.
General admission tickets are $15 each, which also includes 10 sweet treats per person. An $8 entry level is good for five treats with each ticket.
Most people prefer to eat as many treats as they can during the event, but for some, that can become just a little too sweet.
"They can take it to go," Benway said.
There are 20 chocolatier booths that will have hundreds of pieces each on display Saturday. The vendors are an assortment of businesses and organizations from throughout Ashland.
Cake auction at 2:15 p.m. Saturday to bring crowd
There are many faithful attendees of Chocolate & More who consider the myriad treats nothing more than a sideshow to the main event, which is a cake sale.
"We have 20 gourmet cakes that have been decorated," Benway said. "It's very exciting. We're really excited about that."
Those cakes have been baked, iced and decorated by vendors as well as private bakers across Ashland County.
The cake sale begins at 2:15 p.m. Saturday.
"We have people who come just for the cake auction," Benway said. "Some of these cakes go from $100 to $300."
The event also includes a silent auction. So far, there are more than 60 items on the list, including a charcuterie board, a wooden platter and several local gift cards.
"We have children’s baskets," Benway said. "We have several Lego sets that have been given."
For more information, call the event organizers at 419-903-0475.
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This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Get your fill of Chocolate & More at Saturday fundraiser in Ashland
