Here in the valley, fine chocolates and the Soroptimist of Hamilton are synonymous with each other. The Sees Chocolate trailer is in the First Security Bank’s parking lot prior to most major holidays. Chocolates are given along with scholarships to women to continue their education. So it makes sense that for the organization’s only major fundraiser of the year, chocolate is at the center of the event.
This year, An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate, will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 6pm to 9pm. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund as six local businesses have stepped up to fund the evening. They are Massa Home Center, Farmers State Bank, Bitterroot Drug, By Owner, TrailWest Bank and A2Z Personnel.
Patti Martin, one of the coordinators for the event said this is the third year for the event. “The first year, we raised $5,000. Last year we raised over $20,000 and were able to give out 14 scholarships just recently.”
The evening will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres and decadent chocolate desserts from Red Rooster in Hamilton. There will be shrimp, salmon, dates, chocolate creme puffs, chocolate cake and a wonderful cherry concoction said Martin. Wine and beer will be provided by Blodgett Canyon Cellars and Higherground Brewing Co. It is a no host bar but the first glass is complementary.
In addition there will be a silent auction and a ‘fabulous’ live auction. The live auction includes a two-night clamping for six with catered dinner and breakfast, an Iron Horse gym package with personal trainer Justen Zimmerman, chocolate diamond stud earrings, hands-on art experiences with local artists, an original gunpowder art piece by KJ Kahnle and the grand finale – a dinner for eight with Janine Benyus talking about her biomimicry program.
Music will be provided by Bitterroot Baroque. A jewelry raffle and a wine pull are also scheduled.
Tickets are on sale now at their website – shamilton.org . They are $40 per person, $75 per couple and $300 for a table of eight. The event is at the Bitterroot River Inn, 139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive in Hamilton.