Upcoming Chocolate Affair may deter diets

For those who love chocolate, or fashion or getting a chance to participate in a silent auction with great things up for grabs while helping out local children who have suffered physical and sexual abuse, there's an event that's sure to not be missed.

The 15th Judicial District Child Advocacy Center's upcoming "Chocolate Affair" fundraiser tickets are on sale now.

CAC Director Debra Daugherty said plans are full speed ahead for the fourth go-round of this annual event with local businesses stepping up to the plate to donate items for the silent auction.  

The CAC, which serves abused children in Wilson, Trousdale, Smith, Macon and Jackson counties, has long been recognized as one of the foremost supporters of these young victims. The center offers child sexual abuse prevention training programs free of charge and also helps victims face their abusers in court.

The Chocolate Affair is set for Feb. 8 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Cumberland University’s Labry Hall, and Daugherty is hoping for an even larger turnout than in past years.

"We've been holding steady at about 200 for a while, but we're hoping for more people this year," she said.  

This year, the evening’s activities will include sampling amazing chocolates from around the world; indulging in the decadent "Ribbons of Chocolate" fountain, where guests can dip anything but their toes, and listen to live music from the Randy McLellan Band.

The silent auction promises bargains for participants. Among the items at the auction will be tickets to Dollywood and the symphony, a Pandora ring and earrings set from Wiggins Jewelry, a chocolate watch from Winfrey's Rone Jewelers and tickets to a wine tasting by the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce. For those who want the wine tasting to come to them, the auction will also include a chance to score a private wine tasting for 10 provided by Market Basket Liquors.

After guests have eaten all the chocolate they can hold, they will be ready for the “Shop Wilson County First” fashion show, featuring items from local boutiques, including Lu Lu's, Crystal Couture, the Dreams Boutique and more.

"This is the second year for the fashion show, and while we had a few glitches last year, all the kinks have been worked out," Daugherty said, adding the show will be an opportunity for local fashionistas to see what's coming up in the world of fashion.

Tickets for the Chocolate Affair are $25 each and can be purchased by calling the CAC at 615-449-7975, online at chocolateaffair.net or at the door the evening of the event. The dress is everything from sweaters and slacks to sequins.

All fun aside, Daugherty said the fundraiser is important to the CAC and the children the center serves.

"This really helps us maintain our direct services," she said. "All the money raised is used to help local children."