28th annual chocolate extravaganza held at Career Center
Chocolate lovers started lining up before 3 p.m. Feb. 15 to be first to choose their desserts at the 28th annual chocolate extravaganza held at the Coshocton County Career Center. The event is a popular fundraiser for the Pomerene Center of the Arts.
Anne Cornell said all of the desserts are made by local people, both professional and individual citizens. “Every year, I wonder if people will come to help and every year, I’m so pleased to see the huge turnout. We have lots of new bakers this year and new people attending. I’m grateful to how many turn out to help. It takes a great community effort to pull this off.” All proceeds benefit the many programs of the Pomerene Center.
Cornell explained that each attendee could pick five desserts to fill their container. There was several of each to choose from: One piece of pie or cheesecake, one piece of cake or torte, and three sweet treats that included cookies, brownies or candy. Drinks were also available for those who wanted to socialize and enjoy their treats at the event.
Brianna Grace and her son, Grayson Willis, were at the event for the first time. She said her co-worker had told her about it. Grayson, 2, was enjoying a s’mores treat, while Grace said a peanut butter cake was her favorite. Her friend, Kimberly Wood, also brought her son, Axyl Landis, 1. Wood was enjoying peanut butter cheesecake, while Axyl loved his cookie.
Emily Marrison and her daughter, Julia Adams, were also at the event for the first time. Adams hoped there would be fudge to try and was happy to be there because she loves all kinds of chocolate. Marrison said they decided to go to support the Pomerene and all of the wonderful programs it provides. “And I love chocolate, just like Julia.”
Joan McNeely was one of the volunteers at the event – and has been volunteering since the first time the Chocolate Extravaganza was held. “We started in two rooms at the Pomerene Center and did it from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. We had to split everything into two groups to be sure we had enough for both sessions. It’s so much better over here – lots more room. I think several people are taking their desserts to the Big Band Dance at Lake Park later tonight.” She also bakes for the event every year. “I made two mocha cheesecakes this year.”
Kayla, Bill and Cory Craddock were also at the event for the first time. “My sister in law comes every year and we finally had a chance to come, too,” said Kayla. Bill, 6, said he really liked his “cherry thing, because the cherry was really juicy” and Cory said the turtle cheesecake was the best.
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