For over a quarter century, downtown Lincoln has been home to Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy, a fundraising event that has put chocolaty smiles on thousands of faces and has helped raise money for a number of organizations around the Lincoln community.

Chocolate Lover’s 2012 will take place Friday, February 3, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Lincoln Embassy Suites on 10th and P. Attendees will feel like guests in the Wonka factory as they tour the vast array of chocolates created by professional and celebrity chefs. They’ll also have the opportunity to partake in a silent auction or purchase raffle tickets for great prizes while enjoying the entertainment provided by the Darryl White Jazz Quartet.

This year’s event will again benefit CEDARS home for kids, a nonprofit organization here in Lincoln that has provided safety and stability for abused and neglected children for over 60 years. This will be the 9th year in a row that Chocolate Lover’s Fantasy has benefited CEDARS. In that time, the event has raised close to $60,000 for the organization that enhances the lives of over 4,500 children and their families annually.

Chocolate Lover’s has become one of the most revered events of downtown Lincoln from the year it began. It was formerly held at Lincoln Station, then at the Holiday Inn, but has since moved to the Embassy Suites to better house the overwhelming amount of people.

Last year’s event saw over 600 chocolate lovers attend and awards were doled out to the chefs who were most innovative. The award for the Most Delectable Chocolate went to thé Cup, the Most Unique Table Design went to the City of Lincoln and the Most Creative Use of Chocolate and the People’s Choice Award went to the chefs at Embassy Suites.

LHDC

The silent auction will feature over a hundred different auction packages that include artwork, antiques, a Haymarket restaurant package, hotel stays and more. This year’s raffle prizes include a Lazlo’s Chef & Ale Dinner for eight, a year of beer from Empyrean Brewing Company and a year of pizza from Ramo’s.

Attire is casual dress. Tickets are available for $25.00 at the door or at the Downtown Lincoln Association office in the Sharp Building at 13th and N.

2012 Chocolate Lover’s Fantasy chefs:

• CEDARS with Colby Ridge
• Chocolatier Blue
• City of Lincoln
• Dish
• Edible Arrangements
• Embassy Suites Bar & Grille
• Fuehrer’s Cheespred
• Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill
• Milestone Catering
• The Mill
• The Normandy
• Outback Steakhouse
• PJ’s Baby Cakes
• Russ’s Market
• Studio K
• Venue Restaurant

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For more information, visit lincolnhaymarket.org