Guests sampled chocolates and remembered victims of breast cancer on Friday at this year’s annual Chocolate Festival, an event sponsored by the Women’s Center to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.
The festival, now in its 11th year, was held in the Carmichael Gymnasium. While many elements of the annual event remained the same, the festival also sported some new additions this year.
“We will have an opportunity for people who identify themselves as survivors to be honored over the DJ system,” said Otis McGresham, assistant director of the Women’s Center. “And then we have a small gift from the Chocolate Festival to them, so that’s new this year.”
McGresham said there were both repeat and new vendors featured at the festival this year, with a remaining emphasis supporting businesses based in the area.
The vendors included Godiva, Lindt and Dove as well as smaller companies from the area such as Insomnia Cookies and Vagasky Truffles. The chocolate samples guests could try included an array of cookies, truffles, cakes, fudge, brownies and even chocolate cooking sauces.
Guests were invited to dip their confections in chocolate at the festival’s chocolate fountain.
Along with chocolate vendors, the festival hosted booths from the Student Health Center to educate guests about breast examinations and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. In addition, guests bided on items such as jewelry and wreaths at the Silent Auction to raise funds for breast cancer research.
Alongside vendors and guests, NC State students assisted with operating the event. The student volunteers took tickets, handed out pink bags for samples and hosted chocolate stations.
Janna Brown, a sophomore in communication, volunteered with her fraternity, the Iota Phi Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha.
“Our philanthropy is breast cancer education and awareness, so they asked us if we wanted to have a booth here,” Brown said.
This year, a large number of attendees were students. While many simply came to enjoy the chocolate, many students had personal ties encouraging them to support Breast Cancer.
“It’s great—I love chocolate,” said Tiffany Russ, a freshmen in elementary education. “One of my teachers got breast cancer, and one of my friend’s mom passed away from breast cancer a year ago.”
Other students such as Savannah Stallings, a freshman in management, came to support the cause even though it has never affected her personally.
“It’s something that affects everyone,” Stallings said. “It’s a good thing to remember, and it could affect anyone that’s a female in my life at any time. Even though I don’t have it now, it’s sad to think that I might have it one day.”
Attendees remembered those who had breast cancer by writing names of loved ones on pink slips of paper and adding them to a banner.
McGresham said that chocolate attracts more people, and that the silent auction alone raised $1,200 last year.
“Everybody loves chocolate,” McGresham said. “We can get you in the door with the chocolate and have your attention for the general education piece. It’s just a fun way to get your attention.”
The money the festival raises each year is split between the Woman’s Center and the Kay Yow cancer fund.
The festival will continue to be a tradition for years to come, McGresham said.
“It’s one of our signature programs, one of the expected experiences you’ll get here at NC State,” McGresham said. “It’s grown in popularity over the years, and people seem to appreciate it.”
