Chocolate lovers united

ARLEE — Visions of chocolate were realized Thursday night for many in Arlee, as sample platters were made empty and subsequent milk jugs were tapped dry.

More than 160 chocolate lovers united, to taste the 38 community cocoa dishes and bid on their favorite. Whatever the preference: dark, white, fruity, spicy, the Fifth Annual Chocolate Lover’s Festival at the Hangin’ Art Gallery was sure to supply.

“It was a very successful night,” said Arlee Community Development Corporation president Donna Mollica. “The people in the community were wonderful in their support and we are deeply moved.”

After an hour or two of chocolate covered palates, the bidding wars began. Some had their eyes on the chocolate chili, others chocolate cheesecake.

Resident, and chocolate enthusiast KC Laflesch, was at the heart of all the bidding.

“He always gives lots of support to the community,” Mollica said of Laflesch yearly involvement in the festival and various community fundraisers. “He gets the bidding wars going.”

The highest bidder threw down $225 for delectable chocolate éclairs, prepared by Aileen Meyer.

A Death by Chocolate air cake - void of all ingredients and flavor - was auctioned off for $95. The item’s inclusion showcased the nature of the event.

“One of the bidders said, ‘We can’t forget to auction off the cake!’” Mollica said. Auction they did, and the community benefited.

More than $3,500 was raised for the Jocko Valley Library and area youth programs.