10th Annual Cheers and Chocolate Benefit
The tenth annual Cheers and Chocolate event to benefit Every Woman’s Place was hosted at the Baker College Student Center of Muskegon on March 6, 2009. As in past years, the event was a huge success and raised $30,000 to directly support abused women and children, homeless and at-risk youth and their families.
The annual wine, beer and chocolate tasting event is not only an opportunity for Baker College of Muskegon to help support a worthy community cause, it also serves as a chance to showcase the remarkable talents of its students. Under the direction of Chef Robb White, Department Chair for the Culinary Arts, Food and Beverage Management, and Baking and Pastry Programs and Chef Luis Amado, Advanced Pastry Arts Instructor, students produced a spectacular array of chocolate creations and mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres, much to the delight of the guests in attendance.
Even before the evening had ended, the focus was shifting to next year. “We can’t wait to host this event in the new facility!” exclaimed Chef Robb referring to the new Culinary Institute of Michigan building that is moving ever-near completion. “Next year, we’ll be able to take it to a whole new level.” Chef Luis was in total agreement. “With the new temperature-controlled chocolate room, state-of-the-art equipment and more kitchen space, we will have so many more reasons to do an even greater job.” As an award-winning Pastry Chef, Luis knows a thing or two about chocolate. “Teaching students the versatility of chocolate is one of my passions and being able to help to raise money for such a good cause—especially in this economy is another.” It clearly showed in the night’s offerings. Throughout the evening, guests were also treated to wines from over eleven countries, and Michigan wines, beers and cheese.
It was a special evening for everyone—yet it was an exceptional evening for Willie Wilson. Willie is the Director of Youth Services at Webster House Youth Services, an extension of Every Woman’s Place. Having attended the Cheers & Chocolate event for the last two years, he felt that it would be the perfect place to pop the question to Nicole Moody. “I always thought the event had such an elegant environment. Plus it was someplace where I’d have the support of my family and friends and where Nicole wouldn’t suspect a thing.” With a little help from his friends, Nicole “won” the first raffle prize. Willie was handed the microphone and on bended knee and with all eyes on them, Willie was given the prize that he was after—Nicole accepted his proposal of marriage. According to Chef Robb, there’s a reservation waiting for the two to celebrate at Courses, the fine dining restaurant that will serve as part of the curriculum at the Culinary Institute of Michigan when it opens in September of this year.
The domestic violence services of Every Woman’s Place cover the greater Muskegon County area while youth programming through Webster House serves youth and families in Northern Ottawa, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties. 24-hour crisis help is available at 231-722-3333.
