Sweet chocolate treats fuel students’ dreams

By Ann Escamilla, Staff Reporter.

A room full of chocolate? What more could one ask for!

On Thursday Nov. 20, the 24th annual A Chocolate Affair fundraiser took place at Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State St., Saginaw, to help support Delta College’s Possible Dream Students. Delta College Possible Dream Program is committed to giving its students opportunities they might never have considered possible. Students,
donors, and the general public filled up the room for this grand event while live music and delicious food filled the air.

“A guy I knew said we have to go to this Chocolate Affair event. I was sold. It’s my fifth year coming,” said Ron Mindykowski from Bay City.

When asked why he keeps coming back Mindykowski stated, “Number one: the large amount of great people for a great cause. Number two: I love food. It’s excellent, and number three: the chocolate!”

Twenty-eight unique chocolate tortes and mini-desserts filled the room as many gazed upon the delicious treats waiting for the time when they would be served as others walked around and mingled. Cheese cakes, cupcakes, chocolate macaroons were all gone in moments, but the sweet after effects of the evening are long lasting.

“It will get me a higher chance of getting into Delta and other colleges,” said tenth-grader Alexandria Brcik from St Charles.

Donating for well over 10 years, Peter Zolinski, member of PNC Bank, stated, “It’s community involvement. It’s great to help at-risk teenagers and kids to fulfill their
college dreams.”

Ranging from 6th to 12th grade, Possible Dream students mingled with the crowd, too. Either nominated by a teacher or seeking out the opportunity themselves, these students for that night were the shining stars.

Working for 15 years and running the Chocolate Affair each time, Coordinator of Scholarships Mary Harding said, “I love it. It’s good to have others come around and help support Possible Dream students.”

As the night went on, the vibes of the place began to grow calm most likely due to the fact that everyone was ready to go into a food coma.

Sharon Pumford from St. Charles said, “I’m floored. It’s lovely and beautiful.”