Week of Chocolate proceeds increase

The Week of Chocolate has inspired dozens of Bloomington restaurants, bakeries and retailers to chip in with creations to benefit Options Community Services and Employment Services.

So far, the Week of Chocolate has raised an estimated $24,000, exceeding the last two years’ totals of $15,000 and $20,000, respectively.

Lisa Morrison, marketing manager for the events, said the coming together of local businesses has been the driving force of the week.

“The businesses make this event possible. They’ve given their time, donated for the auctions, given artwork. It’s really just been wonderful,” Morrison said.

John Bailey, managing partner of Malibu Grill, said he feels events like the Week of Chocolate help solidify that businesses are part of the community.

“I feel like the culinary community its more like a kinship; you always have respect for those who do well,” Bailey said.

But competition never goes away entirely, he said.

“There’s healthy competition,” Bailey said. “You always like looking at what everyone else is doing.”

In any case, Mark Brethauer, owner of Angel B’s Galleria of Cakes, said he thought participants try to produce the best product, whether it’s a traditional cake or cookie, or something more exotic, like Malibu’s Chocolate Martini.

“Everyone likes to show off a little, but there are definitely no egos,” Brethauer said.
Brethauer seemed to enjoy the idea of competition and even volunteered to help with a professional culinary competition in the future.

Not all restaurant owners are onboard with the idea of competition.

Candace Finch, managing member of Finch’s Brasserie, said she didn’t think her restaurant was competing with others in the community, even outside of the events.
“Everyone always comes out with their best wishes forward,” Finch said. “This community is more about taking care of its own.”

Though the main purpose of the Week of Chocolate is to benefit charitable organizations, businesses have begun to receive increased recognition.

“The first year we attended everyone was like ‘Who are you?’” Finch said. “But now most people recognize us. The exposure is great.”

Though the amount of preparation that goes into the events can be tiresome, Brethauer said he would do it again in a heartbeat.

“I’ll always do work for Options and WonderLab,” he said. “They’re two great organizations.”

The Week of Chocolate consists of unique and interesting Bloomington events. For this reason, some business owners say the Week of Chocolate could potentially become an even bigger hit.

“I think the event is one of the coolest things people don’t know about,” Bailey said. “We’ve only scratched the surface of its potential.”

Morrison continues to express her gratitude for the commitment of the Bloomington community and said she’s touched that so much can be given despite hard times.
“We’re in a downturn economy and yet we still have exceeded our expectations,” Morrison said. “To me that’s a victory.”