On February 11, 2024, the Kent Center School Scholarship Fund hosted its 29th annual Chocolate Fest, attracting a large crowd eager to indulge in a variety of confectionery delights. The event, designed to support local students with college expenses, drew participants who paid $5 to fill red paper plates with an assortment of cookies, candies, brownies, and chocolate-covered treats, all donated by community members and local businesses.
Long lines greeted attendees as they arrived at the venue, ready to create their personalized chocolate plates. In addition to the standard offerings, guests had the option to purchase skewers of fresh fruit or marshmallows dipped under a flowing chocolate fountain, creating a festive atmosphere filled with laughter and chocolate-covered faces.
The Chocolate Fest was inspired by the late Charlotte Lindsey, who proposed the idea after experiencing a similar fundraiser in Maine. Her vision transformed into a beloved community tradition, which has raised significant funds over the years.
Tim Paradise, a newcomer to Kent, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “We came last year and really enjoyed it. And my daughter loves chocolate,” he said, referring to his kindergartener, Emily.
Another board member, Debbie Moerschell, emphasized the event’s personal impact, noting that her daughter benefited from the scholarship. “We are very grateful. It helped tremendously,” she stated while assisting with event logistics.
Community engagement was evident as attendees shared their personal connections to the scholarship. Christina Memoli, attending with her son, Rowan, recalled her experience as a scholarship recipient from 1995 to 1998. “I absolutely support this event every year. And everyone loves chocolate,” she remarked.
Interestingly, not every child was enamored with chocolate. Nine-year-old Kaelyn Saunders opted for lollipops and pretzels, much to the amusement of her mother, Marci Saunders, who is the school’s physical education teacher. “I told her to be sure to get something her mother would like,” she said, smiling at her daughter’s preferences.
The success of the Chocolate Fest is attributed to the hard work of its main organizers, Carol Spelbos and Lee Sohl. Spelbos expressed her gratitude to the numerous businesses that contributed, including B.D. Provisions, Wilson’s, Kent Kitchen, and others.
In addition to the treats, several local nonprofits, such as the Kent Land Trust and KCS PTA, set up booths to share information about their missions, further fostering community spirit.
Since its inception, the scholarship fund has awarded 1,512 grants totaling over $2 million. It supports students from the Kent Center School who are pursuing college degrees, post-graduate programs, or vocational training. The fund raises money through an annual appeal letter and a beverage container recycling initiative that has generated nearly $232,000 over the last 32 years. Each year, approximately 35 scholarships are awarded, with an average grant amount of $2,500.
For more information about the Kent Center School Scholarship Fund, visit KCSSF.org.
