Chocolate Tasting Raises $15K for Family Shelter

Columbus House, Inc. announces the results of the 10th Annual to benefit the Middlesex Family Shelter Jan. 29 at the Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook.

More than 250 friends, volunteers and chocolatiers were on hand on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to support the Middlesex Family Shelter, a program of Columbus House in Middletown. While supporting the Family Shelter, they also experienced some of the finest chocolate creations from local and not so local restaurants, bakers and chocolatiers.

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.

Said Columbus House Director of Development, John Brooks, “Columbus House was honored to host the 10th Annual Chocolate to the Rescue Event to benefit our Middlesex Family Shelter.”

“We were so happy with the overwhelming community support.” Guests from throughout Middlesex and New Haven Counties attended.

Guests voted for their favorites:

• The Gourmet Goddess of Ansonia, Most Amazing Chocolate Flavor
• Dagmar’s Desserts of Old Saybrook, Most Creative Chocolate Creation, People’s Choice

A panel of professional chefs and food writers awarded:

• of Middletown, Most Amazing Chocolate Flavor
• Gourmet Goddess of Ansonia, Most Creative Chocolate Creation, Critics’ Choice

The has been providing emergency shelter, Transitional Housing and related services to homeless families with children since 1988. Up to 50 homeless families with as many as 75 children were served last year.

In 2011, the Middlesex Family Shelter became a program of Columbus House. Since 1982 Columbus House, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has been working with 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.

Services have expanded to include comprehensive case management as well as transitional and permanent supportive housing solutions for homeless adults, children & families, adults with mental illness, dually diagnosed women, those in the early stages of addictions recovery and homeless veterans.

For information, call (203) 401-4400 or email info@columbushouse.org.