Art of Chocolate sweetens charity 's pot

Decadent chocolate is the focus of a charity event Friday that will benefit an organization dedicated to helping children in the Augusta area.

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Child Enrichment Inc. will hold the 15th annual Art of Chocolate starting at 7 p.m. at Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

"We have nine different dessert chefs," said April Zahner, Child Enrichment's development coordinator.

The black-tie-optional event will feature sweets from La Maison, La Bonbonniere, the Boll Weevil, Augusta Technical College's culinary arts program, Eddie Walker's Catering, Sweet Treats and Lorraine Griffin.

Berry's Catering will serve dinner, and The Toasters will provide live entertainment at the event, which also includes an open bar and art auctions.

Guests can also vote for their favorite desserts in the following categories: Best Dessert, Best Dessert Presentation and Most Creative Dessert.

Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at Cudos Flowers & Gifts, all locations of the CSRA Federal Credit Union, First Bank, Georgia Bank & Trust, Augusta Metro Federal Credit Union on Davis and Lumpkin roads, La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery, Ladybugs Flowers & Gifts, and The Metro Spirit .

Art of Chocolate is the annual fall fundraiser for Child Enrichment, a nonprofit organization that aids abused, abandoned and neglected children.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Child Enrichment, the Child Advocacy Center and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused Children.

"It's just a wonderful evening benefiting a great cause," Zahner said.

The organization provides a haven for children in need and offers programs and services that give children a nonthreatening environment in which to talk about the abuse, cope with the effects and avoid victimization.