Home of Hope Chocolate Festival

What could be sweeter than spending an evening savoring decadent chocolate desserts while supporting a noble cause? The annual Chocolate Affair offers the perfect opportunity for chocoholics and dessert enthusiasts to indulge in an irresistible array of chocolate delights—all while raising funds for a worthwhile organization.

Event Details
Held on a delightful Wednesday evening in early March, the Chocolate Affair is hosted by Home of Hope, Vinita’s sweetest event that brings together the community for a night of gastronomic pleasure. Attendees can look forward to a sumptuous selection of chocolate desserts and sweet treats prepared by the finest restaurants, caterers, specialty shops, and wineries from Vinita and the surrounding Grand Lake area.

A Sweet Tradition
For many years, the Chocolate Affair took place at the Craig County Community Center. However, in 2021, the challenges posed by the pandemic necessitated a change in format. Embracing the spirit of adaptability, the Home of Hope transformed the event into a drive-through experience. This innovative approach not only ensured safety through social distancing but also garnered popularity among attendees.

In past years, vendors delighted guests with delicious chocolate samples and an assortment of other tasty treats. For the drive-through event, all delectable sweets and chocolate delights were conveniently assembled into pre-packaged treat bags, allowing ticket holders to savor the experience from the comfort of their own homes.

Highlights of the Evening
The Chocolate Affair features a plethora of engaging activities beyond the tantalizing chocolate treats. Guests can participate in a silent auction, which has transitioned online since the event became a drive-through format. The event is known for its fun and creative themes, ranging from a whimsical safari to the enchanting world of Willy Wonka. Attendees have enjoyed special surprises over the years, including visits from Willy Wonka himself and even a free double-feature movie screening on one memorable occasion.

Supporting a Worthy Cause
The Chocolate Affair serves as a vital fundraiser for Home of Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing residential, vocational, and quality-of-life programs for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities across northeast Oklahoma. The event was launched in 2008 to bolster Home of Hope's programs and operations.

Dr. Ralph Richardson, CEO of Home of Hope, emphasizes the significance of contributions to the event: “The support from the Chocolate Affair helps us achieve our mission of promoting choices, independence, and a meaningful life for the individuals we serve. As state and federal funding sources continue to dwindle, events like this are crucial for sustaining our services. We are incredibly grateful to the vendors and guests who make this event a success.”

About Home of Hope
Established in 1968, Home of Hope, Inc. operates in Vinita, Jay, Miami, Claremore, Grove, and Pryor. The organization serves over 270 individuals with developmental and other disabilities, employing more than 600 staff members to provide high-quality care and support.

Event Location and Ticket Information
The drive-through Chocolate Affair will be held at the Home of Hope Administrative Building, located at 226 W. Dwain Willis Ave. Tickets for this delectable event can be purchased online or at several locations in Vinita, including:

Clanton’s Cafe
Lucille’s Flowers & Gifts
Vinita Daily Journal
Centsible Spending
Home of Hope Administrative Building
For more information on the event, ticket purchases, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shelby Stewart, Marketing and Development Coordinator, at (918) 256-7825 ext. 168 or via email at shelby.stewart@homeofhope.com.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of chocolate indulgence that supports a meaningful cause—your sweet tooth will thank you!