By Greg Horner, Senior Editor.
On Thursday, Nov. 19 the Delta College Foundation Office is hosting A Chocolate Affair – which brings sponsors and donors together to raise money for Delta’s Possible Dream Program. The program aims to support economically disadvantaged students in graduating from high school and attending college.
“When we reach out to younger people from 6th through 12th grade and get these kids to believe that college is possible for them, they do better in school, keep their dreams alive and stay on the right path,” says Mary Harding, coordinator of special events and scholarships. “We’d like them to come to Delta, of course, but as long as they go to college that’s all that really matters.”
The benefit will be held at the Horizons Conference Center, Saginaw, will feature live music, food and most importantly a variety of chocolate. The desserts will be provided by three local pastry chefs: Petit Four Pastry in Essexville, Pattisserie in Saginaw and VanillaBean BakeShop in Midland.
The cost of tickets will cover the benefit’s expenses and the remainder will be donated to the Possible Dream Program. The majority of donations come from the foundation office’s many sponsors.
Sponsors for this year’s Chocolate Affair include Chemical Bank, Dow Corning and Covenant Healthcare. Last year’s event raised over $100,000 and sold 581 tickets; organizers hope to sell over 700 tickets this year and raise even more donations for at-risk youth.
The Possible Dream Program began in 1992 and the foundation office has been organizing A Chocolate Affair for the past 15 years. Students enrolled in the program are selected from public and private schools throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, and participate in a variety of cultural and educational activities in the area.
Students who participate in the Possible Dream Program are also invited to see Delta and the campuses of schools throughout Michigan. Harding believes that when students are more familiar with a school, they’re more likely to attend.
“These students might not know the ins and outs of college, so in case they don’t have strong support at home, they come to know that we’re here to help them.”
The Possible Dream Program has helped over 1,800 students since its inception; those who attend A Chocolate Affair will be able to meet some of the students impacted by their donations.
“Many years ago, one of our students walked in and saw all these hundreds of people and said ‘all these people are here for me?’” says Harding. “I really think it can be transformational to find out that people really do care about how you do in life – you don’t know if they’re getting that at home.”
The dress code for the event isn’t black tie, but Harding recommends that those in attendance dress “fancy.” Tickets can be purchased at the foundation office, located at room A013, or at the door. General admission tickets cost $65, V.I.P tickets cost $125. The events begin at 6 p.m. for VIP holders, and 7 p.m. for general admission.
Donovan Traverse, the health & wellness division chair, attended the benefit last year and is looking forward to participating again.
“Last year we had such an amazing time, not just with the desserts, but we enjoyed the faculty, staff and community that come out to support the event — It’s just a wonderful evening.”
