Combining dessert eating and community service, the Middletown Red Cross held its third annual “Chocolate to the Rescue!” fundraiser on Jan. 30. Over 300 people and 16 restaurants came together at Water’s Edge Spa & Resort in Westbrook to raise money for the local Red Cross Family Shelter.

“As of right now, we have no estimate of how much money we’ve taken in,” said Marketing Specialist Christine Bulgini. “Last year, we made over $10,000, and because we had more people this year, I would expect we’ve made more. We’re still tallying the results.”

Tickets were $25 each. One sponsor, Citizens Bank gave $2500, and Water’s Edge lowered the costs by donating the banquet space. A raffle was also held, with prizes including overnight inn stays, haircuts, UConn basketball tickets, flowers, clothes, and gallons of heating oil. Over 70 businesses contributed items to the raffle.

The money earned by “Chocolate to the Rescue!” will be used for operational costs at the Family Shelter, such as heating the homes, running programs, and buying food. The shelter, established in 1988, has served over 1000 families. The entire program has a 42 bed capacity and residents stay in 2-bedroom apartments in duplex houses. According to the Red Cross website, last year 37 families used the shelter, including 46 adults and 92 children who were homeless.

Families may stay there for three months, and can then choose to move on to the Transitional Living Program (TLP). TLP operates in conjunction with the local New Horizons Domestic Violence Shelter and provides residents with more time and life skills training before they move into subsidize housing. Families can stay at TLP for up to one year. Last year, nine families were assisted through transitional housing, including 10 adults and 21 children.

“[The Family Shelter] is special because shelters usually serve single adults, but here, each family has its own apartment and they are able to learn skills to get them back on their feet, like how to maintain a home and find a job,” Bulgini said. Keeping a home costs a lot of money. The fundraiser will pay for all of those things we take for granted on a daily basis.“

”Chocolate to the Rescue!“ was planned by Bulgini along with a group of community volunteers in coordination with nearby eateries and merchants. Initial preparations began in the summertime by sending mailings and recruiting restaurants.

Each year, the main attraction at the fundraiser is the contest determining which restaurant has the best dessert. Critics from The Hartford Courant, The Middletown Press, and other local newspapers are invited to choose the winner. This year, there were nine judges, including prize-winning author Dorie Greenspan, writer of ”Baking with Julia,“ and other cookbook classics.

”There is a lot of creativity involved,“ Bulgini said. The chefs go out of their way to make their entries look and taste good.”

First place for the Critics’ Choice Award was a Chocolate Hazelnut Praline Pavé by Copper Beech Inn. Winning for the Peoples’ Choice Award was a Cappuccino Chocolate Mousse Napoleon with Pistachio Crème Anglaise by the Gelston House in East Haddam. The most creative dessert was a Marble White and Dark Chocolate Ganache Cigars with Espresso Mousse Mugs and Cookie Ashtray by the Sage American Bar and Grill in Chester. The best presentation was awarded to Water’s Edge for Walking in a Truffle Wonderland.

Emily Meyer ’05 and Megan Ridley ’05 provided background music at the event.

“This is a fun fundraiser, and successful, too,” Meyer, a flutist, said. “It’s for a good cause. I was able to play music while the people were enjoying themselves, and while the organizers were talking, I was able to taste the food myself. It’s important to raise money for things like this, and it’s nice to feel like I am donating something.”

Ridley played oboe at the event.

“I had been frustrated by Wesleyan’s lack of available community service,” she said. “This was appealing because of the community service value and it’s yummy. This is not something you usually think of doing. The people are very welcoming and energizing. It’s great to come together and see all of the faces who have been involved.”

The Red Cross is located at 97 Broad Street and focuses on disaster services, blood drives, health and safety, armed forces, and community and international relief. To volunteer, contact Lyn Curtis or visit www.midctredcross.org.