On February 11, 2012, nearly 250 Bucks County community members gathered together to bid on auction items and enjoy a 55-foot display of every type of chocolate confection imaginable to raise money for A Woman's Place (AWP) at the 17th annual Chocolate Lovers' Fantasy. This delectable event was held at the majestic Tyler Hall on the campus of Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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Click on the image to view the video of the 17th annual Chocolate Lovers' Fantasy, courtesy of Metra4 |
"Chocolate Lovers' brings the community together to celebrate and raise funds for our services," said AWP Executive Director Donna J. Byrne. "We've had a hard time economically the past few years, as so many have, but the need for our programs and services has not gone away. We particularly appreciate the support that this event brings in for us."
Throughout the evening's Mardi Gras themed event, guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment provided by Philadelphia jazz trio Patrick Lamborn Music while bidding on nearly 80 silent auction items that ranged from spa baskets to baskets filled with children's toys. A live auction at the end of the evening featured tickets to various sporting events, trips to North Carolina and Mexico, brunch for four at The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, and more.
During the live auction, Elizabeth Burke, an AWP teen volunteer and member of AWP's Young Adult Advisory Board (YAAB) spoke about the importance of AWP's teen outreach and asked everyone in the audience to make a pledge towards the program.
I have been so deeply touched by everyone I have come in contact with during my time volunteering for AWP," said Burke. "The people I work alongside with and who mentor me have been so hardworking and passionate about the work we all do. The people who use the services and are benefitted by our hard work have been so appreciative of it all. Seeing the impact of our work on those who need it the most is definitely the most rewarding thing of all. Each and every dollar is put to good use in helping to spread awareness about teen dating violence. I just ask that you all remember what wonderful things you are helping to accomplish."
Community members generously donated more than $3,000 during the live auction for AWP's teen program. Donations from that portion of the live auction will fund the continuation of AWP's current teen initiatives and the development and implementation of new ones such as a Peace Works summer camp.
AWP would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the donors, attendees, volunteers, and sponsors that made the 17th annual Chocolate Lovers' Fantasy such a sweet success!