Chocolate lovers may begin their grieving for the glory that was Chocolate Fantasia – an all-you-can eat extravaganza for chocophiles.
The long-lived event was a fundraiser for Volunteers of America, which runs the Durango Community Shelter, the Southwest Safehouse and several veterans’ housing initiatives.
“The community rallied around that event in an incredible way,” said Sarada Leavenworth, executive director of Volunteers of America. “The restaurants would come up with a new recipe every year and find such clever ways to follow the theme.”
One of the problems, she said, is that people remembered the chocolate, but not the organization it benefited.
“Someone would say, ‘Wasn’t that such a nice event for the Humane Society,’” Leavenworth said. “So it wasn’t really furthering awareness of what we do.”
After 29 years, the fundraising potential of Chocolate Fantasia had plateaued and event fatigue was setting in for the restaurant donors as well, she said.
Volunteers of America has created a new fundraiser to take its place: Called “Wear the Love,” it features a signature pendant designed by local artist and gallery owner Karyn Gabaldon.
Beginning April 2, the pendants will be available for a donation of $60. A kick-off event will be held that day at the Taylor Raymond Gallery in the Main Mall.
“We hope people will give a gift to the women in their lives in honor of the women and children in our community who need help,” Leavenworth said. “And then we hope they’ll ask the question, ‘Why are all these women and children needing help?’”
abutler@durangoherald.com
