RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Luscious treat

Chocolate Fantasy Ball raises a sweet total of $250,000

A plethora of chocolate-y concoctions awaited guests of the 11th annual Chocolate Fantasy Ball, a benefit for the families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas. Escaping the results of a snowstorm that had caused myriad traffic problems the evening before, the gala took place Feb. 8 in the ballroom of the Little Rock Marriott.

Guests promenaded the lobby area, bidding on silent auction items, donning fun props to have their photos made, and enjoying such treats as chocolate cupcakes, chocolate-covered jumbo strawberries, chocolate-chip “muffies,” a signature martini, Hershey’s Kisses and other commercial candies, and truffles created onsite by Dan Capello, executive chef of Chenal Country Club. Also on hand were several conversation-worthy chocolate sculptures, including that of the agency’s forthcoming new Ronald McDonald House.

The reception gave way to a sit-down dinner, the main feature of which was chocolate spice-rubbed, bone-in pork chops with red currant sauce. Dessert was white chocolate cheesecake topped with white chocolate mousse.

During his opening remarks, master of ceremonies Craig O’Neill thanked the treat makers and proclaimed that because of the special occasion, everything was “absolutely calorie-free.” Beth McAlpine, event chairman, gave recognition to those who helped to put the event together.

The program included a live auction, a video presentation and an appeal on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House’s Share a Night program, a campaign with donation opportunities ranging from $4,500 for a three month stay for a family to $50 for a one-night stay.

Guests topped off the evening with dancing to White Chocolate - the band.

The ball garnered more than $250,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas, which houses families of children who are receiving treatment at area hospitals. The agency also provides the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a unit that provides free dental care and education to children in need.

High Profile, Pages 38 on 02/16/2014

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