Death by Chocolate set for Dec. 4
Rotary fundraiser offers sweet way to support youth initiatives
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
| Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 |
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LARGO – Chocoholics rejoice: It’s time to satisfy that sweet tooth.
The Rotary Club of Largo will present the 14th annual Death by Chocolate fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 4, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive.
The annual event attracts approximately 1,000 attendees seeking sweet, mouth-watering, delectable all-you-can-eat chocolate creations prepared by some of the Tampa Bay area’s finest restaurants, chefs, caterers and confectioners. Complimentary champagne will be served as guests sample chocolate treats, enjoy a silent auction and listen to live entertainment.
“The event was started by the club with the intent of finding a way to give back to the community in which we live, especially to the children,” said Eric Coyner, president of the Rotary Club of Largo. “All of the proceeds are used for children, with the majority of the money donated locally. A small portion can be used with the Rotary Foundation for children in other countries.”
Funds raised at Death by Chocolate will help the club continue to support a variety of youth programs in the community. Youth initiatives currently supported by the Rotary Club of Largo include community outreach programs for at-risk youth, the reading and activity room in the children’s wing of the Largo Public Library, the Rotary Rainbow Playground at Largo Central Park and the Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders, a student leadership program.
“We have pledged to sponsor the Adaptive Aquatics Swim Team at the Southwest Recreation facility for the next few years,” Coyner said. “This program allows handicapped kids to compete in the Special Olympics swimming program.”
The Rotary Club of Largo also has an impact in community public schools.
“We also support both the Largo Middle School and Largo High School with a student of the month program,” Coyner said. “The kids at Largo Middle School are nominated by their teachers. Each month, 12 students receive a $10 movie gift card and one of the receives a $25 gift card to Target.”
The club also selects one senior student from Largo High School to be the recipient of a $1,000-a-year college scholarship, payable for four years to the school that they attend. “The last one chosen is currently attending Yale.”
All these programs are made possible through generous contributions and through the annual Death by Chocolate event. There cannot possible be a sweeter way to help the community.
“We currently have approximately 21 chocolatiers signed up to attend this year and serve their chocolate creations,” Coyner said. Among this year’s participants are Island Way Grill, Thirsty Marlin, E&E Steakout, Oak Manor, Heron House, Celebration Cakes, Delectable Gourmet Gifts, JK Flowers, Big Mike’s Pizzeria and Back Porch, Cold Stone and Village Inn.
“We have two wine shops coming in to serve samples of wine: PRP Wine International and Zen Zen Wine.” Melitta will be serving coffee. “We also have a silent auction, where local companies donated items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.”
Guests also will enjoy live entertainment.
“We will also have entertainment from a few local musicians,” Coyner said, “and our own Dale Badway will be there as well.”
During the event, Largo Central Park will be lit with more than 250,000 holiday lights.
Key sponsors are Aegon, Tampa Bay Newspapers, Oak Manor Senior Living Community and Minuteman Press of Largo.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tickets to the event may be purchased from any member of the Rotary Club of Largo or by calling the Largo Cultural Center box office at 587-6793. Visit www.largorotarydbc.bravehost.com.
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Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009
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