United Way’s popular fundraiser draws crowds from across region
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By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times
Sarah & Evelyn, of Hockessin, enjoying an afternoon of chocolate covered fun
KENNETT – Chocolate-loving Festival attendees came to Kennett High School (KHS) to sample chocolate; and sample they did. This year’s festival boasted 240 edible entries, in every chocolate combination imaginable, all donated in support of The United Way of Southern Chester County.
The excitement began as early as 8 AM when area bakers began dropping off their donated creations; but by 11 AM, it was all ‘business’ when approximately 50 esteemed volunteer judges (did we mention lucky?) began executing their duty.
After a brief orientation and training, teams of judges surveyed the room, armed with clip boards in hand, and tasted their way through countless varieties of brownies, cupcakes, cookies, cakes and candies. Judges were given a mission to determine which confections would bring home top titles in the professional, amateur and student categories; and from what The Times could discern, all judges seemed quite ready for the ‘challenge.’
Just a few of the judges reporting for duty: Megan Kampf, Mary Anne Leader, Mary Hutchins & Molly Collins
Hundreds lined-up outside KHS’ gymnasium prior to the 2 PM opening, in anticipation of tasting the creations. A $10 general admission featured six tasting tickets per person; with the option to purchase more. For the more serious chocolate lovers, Connoisseur-level (timed & advance entry) tickets were available for$25 each, however, these tickets were sold out well in advance of Sunday’s Festival.
Just one of the incredibly creative chocolate-themed entries
The Times spoke with attendees from across Chester County, along with others from the Wilkes Barre, Hockessin, Lancaster and Harrisburg areas. By 3 PM KHS gymnasium was packed and buzzing with chocolate loving attendees of all ages.
The following is a list of the Chocolate Lovers Festival First Place category winners. The winners took home donated gift cards from top area restaurants and, of course, 2015 bragging rights:
Professional Category – Cake: The Gables; Brownies: Delaware Tech Culinary Arts; Cookie: The Country Butcher; Candy: Talula’s Table; Cupcake: Rosa’s Cupcakery.
Amateur Category – Cake: Yukiko Savini & Gerri Green; Brownie: Jeannie Mudrick; Cookie: Jonathan Kissell; Candy: Alison Snyder; Cupcake: Robyn Ingram
Student Category – Cake: Alexander Wank, Brownie: Alsion Morales, Jon Sweet & Keiante Jones; Cookie: John Paul Dean, Yaribet Escobar, Ryan Hamilton, Caleb Hopper, Nancy Orozco & Maxine Robbins; Candy: Elana Lindner; Cupcake: Emilie Tannert-Schmidt
The United Way thanks its many volunteers who helped to make the Festival happen. Volunteers managed all aspects of the event including entry registration, selling tickets and clean-up. Area high school volunteers donated their afternoon to staff the tasting tables and greet guests with a smile.
Be sure to watch the Times slideshow above to see more Festival fun. For a complete list of winners, check the Festival’s homepage later this week: www.kennettchocolate.org
