An estimated 650 attendees had the opportunity to satisfy their sweet tooth at the MSU Museum’s 27th annual Chocolate Party Benefit on Sunday.
Local vendors and culinary professionals from across Michigan brought thousands of chocolate and dessert samples inspired by this year’s “Minion” movie theme to the Kellogg Center.
Professional chefs associated with restaurants, casinos and hotel resorts participated in the yearly competition by displaying their edible masterpieces to both the public and the judges.
“Every year I’m blown away by these masterpieces,” said Lora Helou, MSU Museum acting director. “The theme this year is especially charismatic and colorful. You don’t necessarily associate all this color with chocolate, so I think they’ve done some really creative things.”
Students Jessica Roman and Valerie Page from Baker College’s Culinary Institute of Michigan won first place for their masterpiece titled, “Capture the Crown.”
The annual benefit raises funds to support the care and preservation of the museum’s collections. Over the past few years, the museum has been focused on upgrading its cabinetry systems that protect the artifacts from light, heat and humidity.
According to Helou, the original idea for the chocolate party started very informally, and it continues to grow in popularity each year.
“It’s just this great concept that food brings people together, and chocolate certainly stirs people’s passions and emotions,” she said.