Lakeside Sweets and Treats, the People’s Choice winner
L-R: Bryce & Emily Lambert of Don Twombley Photography, Jon Bettis, A Representative of Caffe Prego, Celyn Reed of Lakeside Sweets & Treats, and Amanda Andre Chocolatier Awards Coordinator for 9 years
By Lisa Blanchette
On April 26, volunteers donned their signature glittery-gold aprons and welcomed approximately 200 guests to the Memorial Gym for the Chocolate Benefit Spectacular, an evening of music, raffles, and tasty chocolate treats.
This year’s event raised $28,425 to benefit the Sanford Backpack Program, which sends more than 400 students home each weekend with backpacks loaded with food. The program – the largest school pantry recipient of the Good Shepherd Food Bank – supplies more than 120,000 meals and 250,000 pounds of food annually.
At Saturday’s event, approximately a dozen professional and amateur chocolatiers donated their time and talent to provide chocolate treats. The Most Creative Use of Chocolate Award was given to Don Twombley Photography for his chocolate martini mocktail; Best Tasting Award was given to Caffe Prego for their gelato; Best Presentation was given to Jon Bettis for his chocolate nachos; and the People’s Choice Award went to Lakeside Sweets & Treats for their layered brownies.
Other highlights of the evening included over 100 raffle items donated by community members and local businesses. Brett Williams from the Sanford Performing Arts Center served as the evening’s emcee. Wintery Mix, a local band, also donated their musical talents to the cause. A cash bar was provided by Above and Beyond Catering.
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