Chocolate cook-off to benefit charity

Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" isn't due out in theatres until this summer, but Bloomington residents can get a real cocao fix this Saturday at the Bloomington Convention Center. \nMore than 1,600 chocolate lovers of all ages are expected to gather from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Convention Center for a chocolate buffet, contest and charity auction. At least 15 chocolate vendors will display their talents and wares, and community members will compete against each other for prizes. \nThe precise number of entries is uncertain because desserts may be entered until the day of the event, said Veronica Amarant, development director for Options for Better Living, which organized Chocolate Fest. \n"(The contestants) are very excited to have a place to showcase their talent," she said. \nContestants will compete in nine categories: Incredible Cakes, Brownies & Bars, Cookies, Cheesecake Creations, Candy, Cooking by Kids (for children 12 and under), White Chocolate Wonders, Pies and Anything Else, and Restaurants (for professional chefs). The competition will begin at 8 a.m. and winners will not be announced until 5 p.m. for the public opening.\nThe restrictions on preparation are few: The desserts have to use real chocolate in some capacity, and they cannot be frozen because they would melt. The judges will give first, second and third place prizes based on the flavor, aroma, creativity, texture, display and blend of ingredients of the desert. \nWalter Hope will participate in his first Chocolate Fest, although his business, The Chocolate Emporium, 116 S. College Ave., has sponsored and actively contributed to the event for several years. As the new owner, he said he plans to continue the tradition as well as take the opportunity to showcase a variety of his retail chocolates.\n"It's a great opportunity for marketing (and) good exposure," he said. \nThe event falls 10 days before Valentine's Day, a very important time for chocolate vendors. He said he also recognizes the effect Options for Better Living has had on Bloomington.\n"It's good for people to know where they can get help if they're in need," Hope said. \nThe money raised from tickets and the silent auction will help provide services for people with disabilities in the Bloomington area. Among the items up for auction is an autographed photo of Ray Charles from the Ray Charles Foundation, Armarant said. She also listed a basketball signed by IU men's basketball coach Mike Davis and a ball signed by the IU men's soccer team as items expected to draw bidders.\nArmarant said the event is more a community effort than the effort of any individual person. \n"It's a way for people to get together," she said. "The judges are chosen from community members and sponsors. Anyone in the community can enter ... more than 200 volunteers (help put together the event.)"\nAngela Li, director of disabilities for the Volunteer Students Bureau, said IU students are among those volunteering at the event.\n"I am volunteering at Chocolate Fest this year," Li said. "We are currently looking for more volunteers to help out." \nChocolate is not the only attraction of Chocolate Fest. Armarant said the event has been expanded this year to take up two floors to give participants a variety of experiences. The downstairs will feature a low-key atmosphere catering to adults. Beer, wine and coffee will be served. Upstairs, the music will be more upbeat for dancing, there will be a children's area with toys and ice cream.\n"(I enjoyed most) watching the kids with their parents," Armarant said. "Little kids get covered with chocolate and dance."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Janice Neaveill at jneaveil@indiana.edu.