2013 Chocolatefest
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(Gallery by Paul Chaplin | pchaplin@pennlive.com)
Chocolate fans could not be kept away from Keystone Human Services' Chocolatefest at Hershey Lodge on Feb. 3.
For 18 years, Chocolatefest has been providing sweet toothed midstaters the chance to sample a wide variety of candies and confections - all for a good cause.
The various vendors donate their product for the event completely, so all the money raised from Chocolatefest tickets and auctions goes directly to Keystone Human Services, a nonprofit organization that helps those with mental disabilities, autism, mental illness and those in foster care - in addition to many others.
"This year it's larger with many more endorse, many more opportunities to support Keystone," said Donald Witman of Hershey, a member of Keystone's board of directors. "A lot of people don't know about Keystone Human Services, and this is a way to let them know."
He and his wife, Barbara Witman, have been attending Chocolatefest since it began in 1996 as a single session, two hour extravaganza in the atrium of Strawberry Square.
The event has grown so much that Keystone now has three sessions, all held at Hershey Lodge.
This year's Chocolatefest has not had as high attendance as last years, Witman said.
"Today the crowd is not nearly as large because of Super Bowl Weekend, the earlier hours," he said. "But I think it's a wonderful response and I think the atmosphere's good."
For Erin Sullivan of Lancaster and Melissa Gorman of Middletown, Chocolatefest is an annual tradition.
"We just like the variety," said Gorman, who raved about the Hotel Hershey's cupcakes. At the time of the interview she had only been at the event for about 15 minutes, but she was already sure that this year would be a success in her book.
"I'm sure we'll be rolling out of here like we were two years ago," she said.
This year marked a return to Chocolatefest for longtime fans Leslie and Robert Gamble of Landisville. They used to frequent the event with 8 kids (only 4 of which were theirs) in tow, but had not returned for the past couple of years.
They could not stay away for long.
"This was on my bucket list for 2013, believe it or not," said Robert Gamble, laughing. "It's so bad."
"I'll have to play tennis for three weeks to make up for it."
When asked what made him return, Gamble admitted it was mostly the candy. But there was another motivating factor.
"The idea that it's for a good cause," he said.
Plus, it helps that it's Super Bowl Sunday. The football game meant the evening would be one of beer, and Chocolatefest ensured his afternoon would be of chocolate.
"Chocolate and beer, no fear," he said.
Overall the event was a success in the eyes of Keystone Human Services.
"I think it's been great," said Ann Moffitt, vice president of community development for Keystone. "I don't think anybody's going away saying they haven't had enough chocolate."
Missed this year's Chocolatefest? The 19th annual Chocolatefest will be held on Jan. 19, 2014 at Hershey Lodge. More information will be available closer to the date on www.keystonehumanservices.org.