Submitted photo Johnnie Edwards with Bank Baby BBQ passes out chocolate desserts at last year’s Always Ready For Chocolate fundraiser at The Commons.
The Always Ready For Chocolate fundraiser last year was a sweet experience for Carrie Davies.
In fact, the owner of Geri Girl Bakery in Edinburgh sold all of her 200 cupcakes in short order early in the event to support the work of The Arc of Bartholomew County. That nonprofit organization promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetime.
So Davies is returning among varied vendors that would make Willy Wonka proud for this year’s event scheduled from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday at The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus.
“There was only one vendor who ran out of food before we did,” Davies said. “So I am definitely making more so we can serve almost everybody.”
She’ll spend two or three days donating her baking for the cause that is close to her and husband Russell’s heart. They have cousins with intellectual disabilities. So she also is donating 1% of all her February sales to The Arc.
“It’s very important for us to support this group,” Davies said.
The 2022 gathering generated about $20,000 for the cause, according to Grace Kestler, the Arc’s executive director.
“While the event is such an important fundraiser for us, really our ultimate goal is to create a family friendly and affordable atmosphere while supporting all the work that we do,” Kestler said. “We feel that the event is also a great way to network and to simply bring people together from all parts of the community, and not just those with disabilities.”
In the past, the items for purchased have included cakes, cookies, pies, you name it. This year, rather than members of the public purchasing tickets for specific items, an all-in-one price of $25 for adults (attendees 12 and older) tasting small, sampling servings and $15 for children ages 6 to 12. Younger children will be admitted for free with a paying adult.
Paid admission includes one drink ticket redeemable with drink vendor The Local Grind which will be offering specialty coffees, teas, hot chocolate, and more.
VIP Tables are also for sale and include VIP tickets for eight individuals, including an early admission at 12:30 p.m.
An art show will feature art created by local artists with various intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each item in the art show will be up for auction at the event. The artists will receive half of the profits from the sale of their art and the other half will be donated to The Arc of Bartholomew County’s fundraising efforts.
Oooey gooey fun
What: Always Ready For Chocolate.
When: 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus.
Tickets: Available in advance at thearcbc.org or at the door. $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 6 to 12, younger children free with paying adult.
