Inside Iowa State

Nov. 7, 2008

Eat chocolate for charity

by Erin Rosacker

The YWCA Ames-ISU annual spring fund-raiser will change seasons and add variety, giving participants plenty of ways to satisfy any sweet tooth.

"Just Desserts: A Taste of Chocolate and More," hosted by president Gregory Geoffroy and Kathy Geoffroy, will be held Nov. 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Knoll. More than 20 area restaurants, businesses and vendors will offer sweet samples, including sugar-free options.

"We had some comments from our restaurant donors to switch the timing," said Sherrie Wolfe, director of the YWCA Ames-ISU. "It is good for the restaurants in kicking off their holiday season, but it also is a nice kickoff to the end of the semester and the beginning of the holiday season."

She said the switch moved the YWCA's Women of Achievement annual awards ceremony to the spring, which helps ease the timing constraints of the nomination and selection process.

"We had to really scramble between the beginning of the academic year and the awards in November," Wolfe said. "By moving it here, it goes in line with other award ceremonies both on campus and in the community. It will allow us more time to cultivate nominations."

The dessert event had been limited to all things chocolate since it began in 1988. This year, that scope broadens to include something for just about any palette.

"It will be focused on chocolate, but we will have other offerings," Wolfe said. "We do have some people who don't like chocolate."

Wolfe said the money raised will go to YWCA programming, such as the Girls Power mentoring program and the parent and student support offered on campus and in the community.

She said organizers expect 80 or more participants to attend the event. Entertainment will be provided by pianist and ISU alumna Elizabeth Zimmerman and the Wesley Foundation jazz ensemble.

"The nice thing about the event is that it's come-and-go. You can come for 45 minutes and leave, or come at the very end. It's very open," Wolfe said.

Tickets are $35 per person, or $50 for two, and must be purchased by Nov. 17. For information, or to purchase tickets, contact the YWCA Ames-ISU at 4-1663, amesisu.ywca@gmail.com, or stop by 210 Lab of Mechanics.

"Just Desserts: A Taste of Chocolate and More"

Nov. 19, 7-8:30 p.m.

The Knoll

Tickets: $35 single, $50 pair

RSVP by Nov. 17