For the love of chocolate

You may need a golden ticket to get in. But don’t worry. You won’t have to buy hundreds or thousands of chocolate bars to find one.

The Willy Wonka Chocolate Lover’s Fling on Saturday, Feb. 8 is open to anyone who loves chocolate and wants to support children from Kindergarten through high school.

The Moab Teen Center: Club Red and BEACON Afterschool Program are working together to create a night of food and fun, as well as raise funds for both programs.

This year’s theme – Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory – crosses the multi-generational line with two films based on Roald Dahl’s book, said Amy Stocks, Club Red’s director.

There was the original “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” featuring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka filmed in 1971. The second, “Charlie and Chocolate Factory”, was made in 2005 and stars Johnny Depp as the infamous chocolate maker.

“We welcome you into a world of pure imagination,” said Stephanie Dahlstrom, the director of the BEACON Afterschool program, referring to a song in the original movie.

The night will feature the annual tradition “taste of chocolate” featuring chocolate creations made by Moab’s bakers and artists.

There will be children’s activities that will include Wonka’s photo booth, lickable wall paper and the golden egg cornhole.

There will also be competitions inspired by the movies, such as turning Violet into a blueberry, the golden egg relay and the fizzy lifting drink burping contest.

And there will be a silent auction in the middle of Willy Wonka’s chocolate room, with a variety of prizes from local businesses.

“There is a little something for everyone: pampering items, practical items, travel,” Stocks said. “The community has been incredibly generous.”

Stocks said it was a blessing in disguise when the Moab Teen Center lost its operational grant, requiring the program to work more closely with BEACON.

“We’re always looking for ways to partner, for fund-raising and programming,” said Stephanie Dahlstrom, the director of BEACON Afterschool Program. “It is synergy for us. Our populations overlap.”

The BEACON Afterschool Program serves students in Kindergarten through eighth grade with either academic assistance or enrichment programs. The Moab Teen Center serves middle school and high school students through mentoring, alternative recreation and events like dodgeball, BMX and skateboarding competitions.

“By being able to partner, we create a transition for kids as they grow older,” Stocks said.

Children from BEACON and Club Red have been working on the event.

“We have 30 kids at HMK that are making decorations,” Dahlstrom said.

Stocks said that the teen advisory board will be there to run booths.

Chocolate Lover’s Fling to benefit The Moab Teen Center and BEACON Afterschool Program

“We welcome you into a world of pure imagination.”

When: 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8

Where: Moab Arts and Recreation Center, 111 E. 100 North

Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children. Children age 5 and younger free.

More information: Fund-raiser to benefit the Moab Teen Center: Club Red and the BEACON Afterschool Program

Author: Kristin Millis

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