October 17, 2008

The second annual Chocolate Festival and 5K Chocolate Chase takes place in Charlottesville Saturday from 9:30am-2pm at Lee Park.

The Chocolate Festival and 5K Chocolate Chase, the 3.1 mile walk/run though the city of Charlottesville benefits outreach efforts sponsored by Charlottesville’s First United Methodist Church.

“All of the proceeds are going to go back into the community,” said pastor, Harry Kennon.

Local food pantries, churches and the homeless center, PACEM are just a few of the programs to benefit from the fundraiser. Organizers say it’s important to have the resources to support these organizations in need.

“During this time of the year it’s particularly important for them to have resources, and this winter more than ever with the economy,” said chair of the festival, Evelyn Jones.

A new partner this year is the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

“Inmates who participate in fine arts and culinary arts will be doing baked items and fine arts will have art pieces for auction,” said Jones.

A variety of chocolate confections and artwork made by inmates will support programs at the jail as well as the Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville Albemarle.

“They wanted to give back to the community so that they can give back as much as they have recovered and they are very grateful for that,” said jail programs coordinator, Phyllis Back.

Whether it's the novelty or the variety of the tasty treat, organizers say people are looking forward to another year of helping those in need.

“I think that in spite of the economy people will come because it's supporting charitable organizations,” said Jones.

The 5K Chocolate Chase starts Saturday morning at 8am. Organizers expect about 300 people to walk or run in that event.

For registration information visit http://www.cvillefirstunitedmethodist.org/chocfest.htm.

Last year over 2,000 people turned out for the Chocolate Festival. Organizers estimate some $20,000 was raised.