On September 6th I had the pleasure of attending what is recognized as one of DC's Top 15 events, the Charity in Chocolate Benefit hosted by The Heart of America Foundation at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental.
A non-profit agency based in DC, The Heart of America Foundation (HOA) strives to provide literacy programming and volunteer services to impoverished children in DC and nationwide.
Held at the gorgeous Mandarin Oriental in downtown DC, the event kicked off with 50+ sweet and savory tasting stations spread throughout the hotel. Guests sampled decadent desserts and mouthwatering delicacies, and washed it all down with a selection of drinks from the open bar.
But it wasn't just foodies who had a chance to enjoy the night; the benefit cumulated with a sweet fashion show, candy couture for the fashionistas in attendance.
In between it all the event recognized awards for Hero of the Heart (charitable work in the community) won by Peter Teeley, and Principal of the Year , won by Dr. Marta Palacios. The event also had appearances by the Ambassador of Italy Claudio Bisogniero, and 2013 Chair and author Ken Harvey.
The fashion show was judged by WTOP's Kristi King, Kate Michael, President of K Street Kate, 2008 RAMW Pastry Chef of the Year's winner Heather Roth, and Michael McCarthy, Editor-in-Chief of DC Magazine.
The winner of the night? Caitlin Dysart of 2941 with her rendition of the fairytale Snow Queen. The design was comprised mainly of hardened and molded sugar and is Dysart's first win. She successfully ended Shaun McCarthey's winning reign, who competed with his rendition of the cartoon villain Poison Ivy.
I even ran into the ladies behind The Bottomless Mimosa , Caryn and Sydney! It was great to see them from my days at Apple, and they even posed for a shot at the end of the show! Check them out for great brunch places, and more, in DC.
The event was a success and it was clear everyone had a great time! This event gets better and better every year, I am already excited and looking forward to next year!
