Chocolate, pink ribbons, games and even more sweets can be found this evening at the Chocolate Festival hosted by NC State’s Women’s Center in an effort to raise money for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

The 12th annual festival takes place today from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Talley Student Union State Ballroom.

When the Chocolate Festival first occurred twelve years ago, about hundred people attended the event. Ever since the festival continues to grow. This year, the Women’s Center anticipates 1,500 people at the event.

It’s because of estimated crowd that Sara Forcella, Rape Prevention Education Coordinator at the Women’s Center said the group, “intentionally got more chocolate.”

“Chocolate Festival is designed as a moment to honor Kay Yow and her legacy, breast cancer survivors and to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research,” Forcella said.

Tickets to the Chocolate Festival can be purchased online at http://oied.ncsu.edu/chocolate/ or at the Women’s Center on the fifth floor of the Talley Student Union. If available, tickets will also be sold at the door.  

Ashley Simons-Rudolph, director of the Women’s Center, said breast cancer is “an issue that disproportionately impacts women and their families.”

Vendors both selling chocolate and working to education festival-goers on breast cancer can be found at the festival.

“We want it to be celebratory but also want people to keep the significance of the event in mind,” Simons-Rudolph said.

DOVE Chocolate Discoveries, Insomnia Cookies and Chocolate Smiles are just a few of the vendors that will be offering chocolate treats.

Organizations including Student Health, University Recreation and Muslim Students’ Association contributed to the event.

The Princeton Review, Planned Parenthood, Rex Healthcare and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund will assist at the event. Attendees will learn how to perform self breast exams with an emphasis on the importance of early detection.