TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Over 1,000 chocolate lovers rejoiced Sunday, not only to sample what local businesses had to offer, but to help raise money for teachers throughout Pima County.
Rincon Rotary Club of Tucson held its 14th annual Taste of Chocolate fundraiser at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel that raises money for the Rotary LOCAL program.
LOCAL stands for Local Organizations Can Affect Learning. The Rotary Local program is dedicated to supporting educators with the resources they need to enhance learning experiences.
About 24 vendors ranging from restaurants, bakeries, retailers and culinary schools all across Pima County showcased their chocolate goods for a greater cause.
Scott Hagerman, Rincon Rotary Club member, says between $30,000 to $40,000 was raised from sponsors and ticket sales, which funds the grants for local teachers to get items that go a long way.
“So like a book set, or some materials they can use year and year, so it’ll have impact with students beyond just one time," Hagerman said.
Hagerman says most grants are about $600 each.
"The other component is whenever possible, we go and get the items for the teachers and we try to buy it locally. So we'll try to buy it at Bookmans, at Instrumental Music. So it's money staying in the community, going to teachers in the community," Hagerman said.
From candies to whiskey, you name it, the Taste of Chocolate had it, even chocolate molé chicken wings.
"Oh there’s so many good things, you just have to pace yourself," attendee Bertha Esparza said.
Ayana Malarchik, Tandem American Eatery co-owner says those molé wings were a big hit because she made 400 and sold out quickly.
“We fried it this morning and we tossed it in our chocolate molé sauce, which we made specifically for this chocolate event. We got to go savory instead of sweet," Malarchik said.
She said this sauce is not currently on the menu, but after this event, that might change.
"Because everyone is loving it," Malarchik said.
Every attendee voted for their Fan Favorite and Tandem American Eatery took home that award with their unique molé wing sauce.
Savoury Eats Catering brought 11 different types of chocolates with fillings for people to try.
There was gluten free, dairy free, and a little bit of something for everybody.
Michele Lopez, Savoury Eats Catering owner, chef, and creative director, has been participating in the Taste of Chocolate since 2016 and enjoys being able to experiment different recipes and present them.
“I like the interaction with the people, but what I love is the end result of why we’re here and that’s to help raise money for classrooms and teachers," Lopez said.
KGUN 9's Dan Spindle was a celebrity judge getting in on the action and Savoury Eats Catering took home the Judge's Choice Award.
Fatima Campos, Owner of Inca's Peruvian Cuisine, says this is their seventh year participating in the Taste of Chocolate.
"It's an honor of us to be a part of this beautiful event, engaged with the community of Tucson," Campos said.
They served a taste of the Peruvian corn.
"Which is canchita. We mix a little bit of canchita with a little bit of granola and just a little touch of chocolate chips. So our traditional Peruvian corn with we serve at Inca's everyday as complimentary to our customers," Campos said.
Her daughter Elena also helps out in the family business and loves how exciting the whole event is.
"There's so many people who come here and support local vendors. That part's awesome and obviously the chocolate. All the desserts here are so good," Elena said.
Rincon Rotary is still in the process of accepting grant applications from educators.
All private, district, and charter schools in Pima County are eligible.
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Vanessa Gongora is KGUN 9's Westside reporter.. Vanessa fell in love with storytelling by growing up in sports. She was fascinated by how sports reporters go beyond the x's & o's to tell players' stories, and how sports bring people together, inspiring Vanessa to provide the same impact as a journalist. Share your story ideas and important issues with Vanessa by emailing vanessa.gongora@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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