Chocolate Tasting to Benefit Middlesex Family Shelter in Middletown

Columbus House, Inc. announced the 12th Annual Chocolate to the Rescue event to benefit its Middlesex Family Shelter.

When: Sunday, January 26, 2014 (1:00 to 4:00pm)

Where: Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, Westbrook, CT

Sponsors: Edible Arrangements, Guilford Savings Bank, Citizens Bank, Harbor News

Why: According to the “2013 Point-In-Time Homeless Count,” on a single night in January 2013, in Connecticut there were:

4,506 people experiencing homelessness

340 homeless Veterans

475 homeless families (with at least 1 minor child)

802 homeless children              

The overall homeless population in Connecticut has increased by 10% since 2010; among children, there has been a 13% increase.

All proceeds from Chocolate to the Rescue will benefit the Middlesex Family Shelter, a program of Columbus House, located in Middletown.

Last year's event The event raised around $15,000 for the Family Shelter through a silent auction and through individual and corporate contributions. Admission was $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

Columbus House is honored to host the 12th Annual Chocolate to the Rescue! Event to support our services for families with children who are experiencing homelessness. 

This signature event, now in its twelfth year, attracts some of the finest chefs in the area. The event is a must for the serious chocolate lover. We have had as many as 300 guests from the Shoreline and beyond attend this major fundraising event benefiting families with children experiencing homelessness.

Guests will enjoy some of the best chocolate creations in the region and will be able to vote for their favorites. While satisfying their chocolate cravings, they will also spend time browsing a fine assortment of great auction items from local merchants. All proceeds will benefit the Middlesex Family Shelter, a program of Columbus House. 

You can register for the event on-line at www.columbushouse.org/chocolate in the “News & Events” section for $30. A limited number of tickets may also be purchased at the door for $35. 

Restaurants Confirmed to date (with more to come!):

The Drunkin Cupcake – West Haven

J.A.M.S.S. – Old Saybrook

Jordan Caterers - Cheshire

Purple Carrot Foods – West Haven

Scratch Baking - Milford

Splash/Madison Chocolates - Guilford

Sweet Sage Bakery - Middlefield

Tschudin Chocolates - Middletown

Water’s Edge - Westbrook 

Professional chefs, food writers and restaurant reviewers will be on-hand to judge the chocolate offerings for “most amazing flavor” and “most creative presentation”.  Judges include:

Neil Fuentes – The Sensational Singing Chef

Priscilla Martel – Chef, educator & food writer

Joan Gordon – Chef and restaurant reviewer

Michael O’Leary – Culinary arts trainer

Lee White – food editor & restaurant reviewer

Our Master of Ceremonies will once again be regional and national TV/radio personality Jim Masters. 

Since 1982 Columbus House has been working with numerous city, state and federal agencies along with an entire continuum of non-profit service providers to help get people off of the streets, out of abandoned buildings, off of park benches and into the safety of a shelter. 

We have expanded our services to include comprehensive case management as well as transitional and permanent supportive housing for homeless adults; children and their families; women with mental health disorders; adults in early stages of addictions recovery and homeless Veterans.