The Sweetest Event of the Year Returns - 22 Years of The Chocolate Celebration
On May 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at One Church, the spirit of giving combines with the love of chocolate at the annual Chocolate Celebration benefiting Samaritan Caregivers. For $20, you can receive five tickets for treats from dozens of local businesses, bakeries and organizations.
TKP Photo | Heidi Pruitt
Photo from 2023 Chocolate Celebration
But it's not just about the treats; it's about making a difference in the lives of senior citizens at home and helping them maintain their independence.
“We understand there are a lot of good causes in this community, we appreciate it when people lean into our event not just for the chocolate but the cause of helping seniors,” said Jamey Henderson, executive director of Samaritan Caregivers.
For 22 years, this fundraiser has brought together businesses and individuals throughout Kokomo, Peru, Greentown and beyond for a chocolate culinary experience.
Whether you’re interested in Mama Karen’s famous brownie cheesecake bowl or double chocolate caramel cookies from Peru’s Just Baked by Trisha, the options are endless.
After the rise in competitiveness between the Chocolate Celebration throughout the years, a decision was made to add categories to the chocolate judging.
“It’s starting to be like Top Chef,” Henderson said.
There will be eight food categories this year, a change from the previous years including: baked other, beverage, candy, cake/cupcake, cookie/bar/brownie, ice cream/pudding, gluten-free/sugar-free and savory.
“I always thought it was interesting to see the meat dishes last year, we added a savory category for that reason. The creativity is just amazing. I love it,” said Jan Drac, the judging coordinator for the event.
One of the savory items you can expect during this event is an Italian picnic from the kitchen of Asension St. Vincent, which includes a chocolate raspberry soup, a chocolate breeze strawberry grilled cheese with a mocha chocolate cannoli.
Can’t make the trip over during the work day? Go online and let the Samaritan Caregiver volunteers know what you’d like and they will bring it to your office with a minimum order of $40.
Photo Provided | Etta’s Gooey Goodies is bringing the “Brownie Overload”
Tickets can also be used for non-chocolate items, including a timed massage from Healing Hands Spa and additional items may be purchased with cash from vendors to benefit the local businesses in attendance.
Another fan-favorite, Jefferson Manor, will be there with a Craisin oatmeal white chocolate chip cookie and chocolate-covered pineapple.
“The enthusiasm makes it fun,” said Henderson. “We’ve built and built and built this event over the last 20 years and it’s even larger than we imagined it to be.”
Aside from the tons of chocolate, Henderson said she always looks forward to reconnecting with supporters of Samaritan Caregivers.
“I always look forward to seeing people that we sometimes don't see throughout the rest of the year and thank them for the cause of helping seniors,” she said.
Guests can receive one free ticket by parking in the Maple Crest Plaza and taking a bus across the street to the event.
Learn more about the Chocolate Celebration and purchase tickets online by clicking here.
Vendors:
Ascension St. Vincent
Italian Picnic: Raspberry Chocolate Soup, Chocolate Brie, Strawberry Grilled Cheese with a Mocha Chocolate Canoli
Bona Vista
Chocolate Truffles
Community Howard Regional Health
Turtle Poke Brownies
Generations Across
Buckeye Brownies
Happy Nutrition
Buckeye Health Shakes, White Chocolate Cheesecake Health Shakes
Indiana Heartland
Gluten-Free 4-Layer Cheesecake
Kokomo Healthcare Center
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Rozzi’s Catering
Grilled Cheese & Chocolate with Strawberry Mousse Cup
Yoke Social Table
Snickerdoodle Cake Ball
Primrose
Chocolate Truffles
Tastefully Indiana
Cole Porter’s Chocolate Fudge & Oreo Brownies
SHIP/Samaritan Caregivers
Cookies & Cream Parfait Cup or Mocha Cafe’ Frappe in glass jar - Provided by Kroger
Stouts Funeral Home
Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich, Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich by Cone Palace
Wesson's Canine Bakery
Double Chocolate Caramel Cookies by Just Baked by Tricia
Trilogy Health Services (Wellbrooke & Waterford)
Chocolate Cheesecake
Windmill Grill
Chocolate Filled Fruit Cones