Chocolate sweetens charity walk

The streets of Nashville, Ind., will fill with a variety of chocolates Saturday when the Brown County Humane Society puts on its second-annual Chocolate Walk fundraiser.

The event, which begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m., allows participants to travel the sidewalks and sample chocolates from 30 stores.

The Chocolate Walk marks one of the first events of Nashville’s holiday season.

The businesses involved in the fundraiser range from candy stores such as the Candy Dish Inc. and the Candy Emporium to stores like For Bare Feet and Pit Bull Leather Company.

Frank Miller, owner of the Candy Dish, said he feels the Chocolate Walk is an important way to get involved with a local charity.

“We should be giving back to the community,” Miller said.

The stores create an assortment of sweets. Jeri Powers from the Candy Emporium stressed the importance of the diverse selection of chocolates, including chocolate cake, candy and beer.

“Almost everybody loves chocolate, and there are so many kinds,” Powers said. “It’s just fun.”

The Brown County Humane Society hopes to sell 1,000 tickets for this year’s event, 400 more than last year.

Supporters can purchase tickets for $20 online or at the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau in Nashville and Bloomingfoods and the Candy Emporium in Bloomington.

Heather Newton, a Brown County Humane Society volunteer, said the money raised will go toward the 1,400 cats and dogs the organization helps each year.   
Newton believes the Chocolate Walk is successful for two reasons: the community involvement and the chocolate.

“It’s everybody pulling together for the Humane Society,” Newton said. “The shops are all on board, and they are so excited to be a part of this. They provide the 1,000 pieces of chocolate for everyone.”

Newton appreciates the dedication of the Humane Society volunteers and the participating stores. Her favorite part of the event, however, is the chocolate.

“The best part is that there is absolutely no guilt at eating all this chocolate because the money goes to the cats and dogs,” Newton said.