Love chocolate? Love craft beer and trying out tasty cocktails?
Love chocolate? Love craft beer and trying out tasty cocktails? Then head out this Wednesday to Family Lifeline’s and Impact Makers‘ Chocoholic event at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts where you can have all those things while supporting a good cause.
The organization is in their 11th year of their largest annual fundraiser and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.
“It’s just a wonderful way for us to raise awareness about our work and our mission,” said Amy Strike, CEO of Family Lifeline. “It’s an opportunity for us to raise funds to support Family Lifeline’s work.”
Family Lifeline works to assist and bring independence the most vulnerable children, parents and adults with disabilities in Central Virginia by providing support, wellness and education services.
The chocolate-themed party will feature over 10 vendors of chocolatiers, bakeries, and other companies providing desserts and sweet and savory treats. Some of the vendors include Gearharts Fine Chocolates, Chocolate Cravings, Chocolates By Kelly, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Edible Arrangements, Lil’ stuff cookies, The Mixing Bowl Bakery Williams Bakery, Mosaic Catering & Events, Hobby Hill Farm Fresh LLC and Upchurch Chocolate Company. There will also be chocolate fountains, craft beer, cocktails, and the VMFA will cater the event.
“They’ll be lots of chocolate sampling,” she said. “We’re trying to make it really fun.”
Strite said there will be an online silent auction with packages for a private wine tasting for 20 at Total Wine and More, four tickets to the Richmond Kickers, a $500 portrait session, Wintergreen passes, VIP passes to Jumpology, and an Outer Banks vacation rental, and more.
Some local craft brewers also participating in the auction. Stone Brewing is offering a VIP brewery tour and tasting for at 10 at their new brewery when it opens.
Hardywood is offering a private tour for four, a 64 oz growler with fill, and three 22 oz bottles of their three most popular brews. And Triple Crossing Brewery is offering a growler with fill and several pieces of merchandise.
You can view all of the items and bid on them here until 9:30 Wednesday night.
All of the proceeds go back into supporting services for Family Lifeline.
Strite said the cocktail party has grown each year and this year they’re expecting over 600 in attendance.
“That’s one of the reasons weve changed venues over the years because it has continued to grow,” she said. “With Impact Makers being such a support it’s just really thrived.”
Rebecca Butler, Annual Fund Manager for Family Lifeline said in an email the Chocoholic event brings in $80,000 in revenue and this year, Family Lifeline is hoping to break $100,000.
Family Lifeline’s Chocoholic event will be held next Wed. Feb. 3. at the VMFA from 7 pm to 10 pm. Tickets are $75 which covers your food, chocolate samplings and two drink tickets. tickets can be purchased here.
