A Chocolate Affair

This is simply the best way to indulge yourself and help over 27 worthy agencies in the Rogers County area.

Nothing tastes as good as chocolate – sweet, decadent, rich and sinfully delicious! Chocolate is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Enjoying just one mouthwatering bite of chocolate can be the cure for even the most stressful of days, but what would five different tastes do? Complete bliss is the best description that comes to mind when thinking of the 15th annual Chocolate Affair, presented by the Rogers County United Way. Held at the Northeast Technology Claremore Campus, the completely indulgent evening begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 7. And, as if consuming a large amount of chocolate isn’t wonderful enough, they have added a variety of shopping opportunities to the affair. This is simply the best way to indulge yourself and help over 27 worthy agencies in the Rogers County area.

“This is one of our three fundraisers we do each year,” states Rogers County United Way Director Donna Ross. “But this one is by far one of the most enjoyable!” A minimum of 10 vendors will be on hand, each showcasing their specialties. Most are desserts with various types of chocolate as the main ingredient; however, other appetizers may be offered too. Tickets are $10 per five tastes, and 400 to 500 people are expected to attend. Along with the yummy treats offered will be approximately 54 gift baskets provided by the many United Way supported agencies in the area. Each basket will be sold as a part of a huge silent auction. A live auction was added two years ago and has been equally as successful.

“Items available during the live auction are usually the larger ticket items,” explains Donna. “Last year, we had the most beautiful rocking chair donated by the Rogers County Literacy Program.”

Other fundraisers for the program include a golf tournament, held Friday, September 17 at Heritage Hills Golf Course, and a Holiday Boutique scheduled for November 12 and 13. The Holiday Boutique is held on the Rogers State University campus, and with over 30 vendors, is sure to help guests get a head start on their Christmas shopping. Everything from wine, nuts and chocolate to pottery, home décor items, purses, shoes and linens will be presented. A delicious brunch will be served on November 12 and will give early birds the opportunity to get a head start on shopping before the doors are open to the rest of the customers.

For those not familiar with the Rogers County United Way, they support 27 local agencies through fundraising efforts. Their purpose statement says that the organization shall act as a fund raising agent for social agencies serving the residents of Rogers County, and they do this in a big way. Last year they raised $500,000, with all of the funds staying in Rogers County. Their goal is to improve the quality of life in Rogers County through education, funding and support. And, they assist agencies to become more self sufficient while also identifying current unmet needs in the area – a large task for one agency!

“The agencies we support are carefully evaluated, and their funding requests are rigorously reviewed by an advisory committee to decide how contributions should be spent,” says Donna. “Remember, all of us have been touched by the United Way. Help us change lives, and we all benefit.”

The agencies chosen by the Rogers County United Way include: American Red Cross; Big Brothers Big Sisters of OK; Camp Fire USA Green Country Council; Claremore Meals on Wheels; Claremore Senior Citizens; Community Action Resource and Development; D-Dent; Family and Children’s Services; Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma; Hospice of Green Country; Indian Nations Boy Scouts of America; Inola Senior Citizens Center; The Manger; Operation Aware; Rogers County Adult Day Care; Rogers County Drug Abuse Program; Rogers County 4-H; Rogers County Literacy Council; Rogers County Training Center; Rogers County Volunteers for Youth; Rogers County Youth Services; Safenet Services, Inc; Salvation Army; Senior Citizens of Chelsea; Tri-County CASA; William W. Barnes Children’s Advocacy Center; and Senior Companions.

For more information regarding the United Way Chocolate Affair or any of their other fundraisers, please contact Donna Ross at (918) 343-1165.

For more information, contact

Rogers County United Way

(918) 343-1165