Chocolate Fantasy to benefit Habitat

CHILLICOTHE - There will be plenty of chocolate available Sunday afternoon during an annual fundraiser hosted by the Scioto Valley Habitat for Humanity in which proceeds will be used to help construct the organization's next home for an area family.

The 23rd annual Chocolate Fantasy, which will run from noon to 3 p.m. at the Bishop Flaget Catholic School gymnasium, has become a destination for chocolate lovers while raising thousands of dollars each year. For $6 a ticket, individuals can get four servings of chocolate desserts, with a selection of items to choose from ranging from cakes, cupcakes, candy, chocolate fudge ice cream sundaes and others.

Dottie Molebash, office manager for the Scioto Valley Habitat for Humanity, said the event will help with the construction of Habitat's 32nd house. A Chinese auction will also take place will feature dozens of items, including gift certificates from area businesses, a patio table, candy bouquets, appliances and an Ohio State University dog bed.

Tickets for the Chinese auction are six for $5, according to Molebash, who said Chocolate Fantasy has grown in popularity each year and noted it offers a variety of chocolate selections to choose from. Attendees can dine-in at the event or take their chocolate selections home with them if they wish.

"We've got a whole variety of things," Molebash said. "They're generous servings and people really enjoy it. The hot fudge sundaes really took off (last year) and people really enjoyed those."

Money raised from the Chocolate Fantasy will help build affordable homes for families in Pickaway and Ross counties who are unable to qualify for conventional financing. The selected family will have a 20- to 25-year, no-interest mortgage for the cost of materials used to build the home.

Labor is provided by volunteers who have a vision of eliminating substandard housing one house at a time, but receive no pay for their efforts. The partner family is expected to invest 200 hours of "sweat equity" for each adult in the family while the house is being built.

Chocolate Fantasy raised $4,515 in 2015, but Molebash said organizers hope to be able to raise $5,000 this year and thanked business owners and the community or their support.

"They just have been more than generous," she said. "We could not do this without the support of the merchants and businesses. We're looking forward to a big event."

Anyone wishing to donate chocolate items for the event are welcome to do so by calling Molebash at 740-779-9734. Tickets for Chocolate Fantasy can be bought the day of the event or in advance by visiting the Scioto Valley Habitat for Humanity office at 171 E. Fifth St.