Published: 1/30/2011

Sugar high: Chocolate Soiree brings out crowd to support Junior League projects

Casey and Aileen Meyer show off some of the desserts at the Junior League of Toledo's Chocolate Soiree. <img src=http://www.toledoblade.com/graphics/icons/photo.gif> PHOTO GALLERY: ON THE TOWN: <a href="/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=TO&Dato=20110130&Kategori=COLUMNIST10&Lopenr=130009995&Ref=PH"_blank"> Junior League of Toledo's Chocolate Soiree</a> JETTA FRASER / TOLEDO BLADE Enlarge

Sinfully delicious desserts before dinner were on the agenda for the Chocolate Soiree presented by the Junior League of Toledo Jan. 22 at the Crowne Plaza. Despite the frigid weather, about 350 people attended.

Delectable chocolate confections, many nearly too pretty to eat, were the focus as the crowd perused the scene.

Chocolate Award winners were Judges' Choice Rosie's Italian Grille and People's Choice Cake Bites Company.

Judges included Sashem Brey of WTVG-TV, Channel 13, Wendy Kromer of Wendy Kromer Specialty Confections, Timm Morrison of WWWM-FM (105.5) and Daniel Neman, food editor of The Blade.

Other local vendors who donated their favorite chocolate creations included Babycakes2go, the Chocolate Shoppe, Clara J's Tea Room, the Crowne Plaza, Healthy Chocolate, La Scola Italian Grill, Mancy's Bluewater Grille, Mancy's Steakhouse, Maumee Valley Chocolate and Candy, the Melting Pot, Pomona Chocolates, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Super Suppers, and Two Seasoned Chicks.

Food stations were offered later. There was also a silent auction and a Golden 50/50 raffle won by active league member Pam Bayer, who generously donated her winnings back to the League.

The Toledo chapter, in its 76th year, has donated more than 2.6 million volunteer hours and more than $3.3 million to the community. Its current projects include Bittersweet Farms for Autistic Adults, Sunshine, Inc., for families with disabled children, and O-I Kids in the Kitchen to help combat childhood obesity.

Among the notables seen were league president Aileen Meyer, Becca and Pete Gorman, Christine Senack, Claire and Joel Gorski, Alice Momenee, Cynthia and Jack Ford, Jan Baker, Condessa Croniger and Eric Hillenbrand, and many more, including board members Elizabeth Murawski, Brittany Barhite, Jennifer Hildebrand, Sara Bassler, Lindsay Miller, and Tausha Moore.

Sponsors included top dogs The Andersons, Health Care Reit, Inc., and ProMedica Health System, nearly a dozen other area businesses and firms, and many in-kind sponsors including Keith Brooks Florist, H.O.T. Printing and Graphics, J. Foster Jewelers, Lollipop Pottery, Harold Jaffee Jewelers, and Ragazza.

Media sponsors were The Blade, Cumulus Broadcasting/Star 105.5, Lamar Advertising, and WTVG-TV, Channel 13.

Event chairmen Alyssa Myers and Leslie King were assisted by Melissa Bucher, Emily Casey, Colleen Demczuk, Sherri Horner, Janet Partin, Jaclyn Peiffer, Ellen Rodriguez, and Joyce Tatro Manes along with Karen DeMain, Mary Foote, Diane Pacella, and Katie Schueler. Underwriting committee chairman Liz Steele was assisted by Elyce Ervin, Darlene Fisher, Cynthia Marley, Amanda Geletka, and Jen Hollander with Wendy Greeley and Pam Skinner.

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