uac011812001.jpg A little indulgence now and then can be good for the soul. Indulging for a good cause, who doesn’t love that? On Jan. 28, that is exactly what’s happening at the 9th Annual A Chocolate Affair … to Remember.

The Chocolate Affair is more than sweet treats. Bid on vacation packages, collectibles, crafts, art/photography, jewelry, toys, event tickets, sports memorabilia and more — all donated by local merchants and benefactors. The items are divided between live and silent auctions.

“We are really excited about the items we have to auction this year,” said Lisa Perkins, regional director of Catholic Charities. “Our donors have been very generous and the winners, I’m sure, will be happy with what they get.”

Perkins suggests that the event would be the perfect way to end an evening out.

“We tried to time it so that people could go out to dinner or something and then come and enjoy some really nice desserts and maybe have a glass of wine,” said Perkins.

Local R&B artist Reggie Codrington is scheduled to perform throughout the evening. Codrington has eight CD’s to his name and years of experience performing. His most recent release, Vision of Dreams came out in 2010. A Vicarious Experience, which is Codrington’s next project, drops this summer.

It’s not just the chocolate, music and the generous donations that make this event so much fun. Perkins points out that it is a great opportunity to enjoy the company of the people around you and maybe even do a little networking.

LIFE at St. Joseph in the Pines is the title sponsor this year. It is a fairly new program of all-inclusive care for the elderly. The program provides a team of healthcare professionals to help assist senior citizens. Some of the services provided include adult day health services, medical care, occupational-, physical- and speech-therapy, dental care and mental-health services. 

While enjoying a sweet snack and bidding on auction items, consider that the proceeds benefi t Catholic Charities of Fayetteville, an organization that serves the poor and needy in Fayetteville and surrounding counties. Catholic Charities routinely provides emergency assistance, counseling, family support, legal-immigration services and employment assistance to people in the community. Perkins estimates that the organization helps about 200 families locally each year, and 55,000 regionally. In addition to providing emergency resources and direct services, Catholic Charities advocates for social and economic justice for people in need and serves people regardless of their religion.01-18-12-chocolate.jpg

The confections will be provided by a number of chocolatiers, including Fayetteville’s own, The Chocolate Lady.

A supporter of the Catholic Charities’ Chocolate Affair since its inception, Jeannie Nelson — the Chocolate Lady — has been making chocolate since the ‘80s. It was a stint at a chocolate factory in Hawaii that really showed her how to temper the chocolate, which she says is the secret to making her great treats.

“Once you learn now to properly temper the chocolate, there are so many possibilities that open up,” said Nelson. “It is key in making so many things.”

A regular in the Fayetteville chocolate scene since 2002, Nelson is excited to start her 10th year in business here. “When we fi rst moved here I built my business mostly by word-of-mouth recommendations, and I worked some through a local caterer,” she said. Now she is a part of the downtown business community and enjoys the foot traffic that brings people into her shop each day. “It is hard to believe that was 10 years ago.”

Peek into her shop and it becomes clear that Nelson is serious about making chocolate fun. Confections that look like wedding cakes, festive cocktails in miniature martini glasses, scrumptious two-toned chocolate tuxedos and even adorable cartoon-ish looking chocolate mice (think Cinderella) fill the cases.

Standard favorites like buck-eyes, truffles and peanut clusters are on the menu too, along with chocolate covered treats like cereal bars and of course luscious chocolate-dipped fruits.“

We try to make sure that there is something here that appeals to everyone,” said Nelson. “The chocolate covered strawberries are popular, and of course the truffl es. Those are my very favorite. A lot of time and energy goes into making those just right.”

Look for Chocolate Lady confections at the Catholic Charities 9th Annual Chocolate Affair ... to Remember. It’s is an event she looks forward to each year.

“This is such a fun night and just a great event,” said Nelson. “I really enjoy being a part of it and watching how much everyone enjoys themselves.”

Find out more about the Chocolate Lady at www.fayettevillechocolatelady.com.

A Chocolate Affair … to Remember is at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux, Marseille Room and runs from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $35 if purchased in advance and $40 at the door. Sponsorships are still available and can be purchased starting at $250. For advanced tickets call 424-2020 or purchase them at The Pollitt Selection in Westwood Shopping Center or The Chocolate Lady on Hay Street. Donations are tax deductible.

Photo: Chocolate treats headline at A Chocolate Affair.

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