Enjoy your chocolate from home: Family Lifeline’s Choco fundraiser will air virtually on Feb. 4 to keep staff and supporters safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 16th annual Choco airs on Facebook Premiere at 7 p.m. and will feature performances from local musicians and arts organizations, interviews, and more.
The event supports Family Lifeline, a nonprofit that provides intensive, in-home education, wellness, and support services that bring health and hope to Central Virginia’s most vulnerable children, parents, and seniors.
More than 700 guests typically attend the in-person Choco event, which features an array of food and desserts from local chocolatiers and bakeries, and a room-filled with chocolate fondue fountains. To help bring the experience home for 2021, Choco organizers created “House Party Boxes” with ready-to-heat meals featuring treats and samples from local vendors. A variety of box sizes are available from $200-$2,500. The boxes can be safely picked up from noon-5:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the Science Museum’s parking lot, which will be decorated to build excitement for the evening’s broadcast.
The event includes an online auction featuring a Kiawah Island, SC getaway, a once in a lifetime flight in a World War II-era Stearman Aircraft plane, a camping package, and more. Family Lifeline also has a “Surprise and Delight” raffle featuring a tower of 16 gifts worth an estimated $4,000. Raffle tickets are $50 or three for $125.
“While we can’t be together in-person, we still have an exciting and engaging Choco Sweet 16 planned for the Richmond community,” said Katina Williams, Family Lifeline’s President and CEO. “We’re thankful for all the volunteers, performers, and auction artists and vendors who donated their time and talent to make this year’s fundraiser a reality. Family Lifeline is committed to addressing disparities and advancing equity in our community by partnering with local families to promote positive change and family resiliency. Our Choco fundraiser helps us fund this critical work.”
The Feb. 4 event will include performances by some of Richmond’s favorite artists — vocalist Desirée Roots, aerialist Host of Sparrows, the Latin Ballet of Virginia, SPARC, the Richmond Triangle Players, and jazz musician James Gates.
“We wanted Choco to honor our many local artists and food service vendors who, like the families we serve, have been impacted greatly by the pandemic,” Williams added. “Choco gives them the opportunity to support our community and grow their visibility. We’re incredibly grateful for their support.”
CBS-6’s Virginia This Morning co-host Jessica Noll will emcee the event.
For more information, visit www.familylifeline.org.
