By Autumn Gray
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation’s 33rd annual Chocolate Fantasy fundraiser promises to be even more decadent that usual this year. In addition to the intricate chocolate sculptures and variety of gourmet bon bons that make the gala an annual stand-out, this year’s Hollywood-style fete offers opportunities to walk away with extravagances like a trip to Kenya and loose diamonds.
Themed “Lights, Camera, Action: A Red-Carpet Chocolate Fantasy” presented by KPMG, the benefit is set for 6 p.m. to midnight March 8 at Sandia Resort and Casino. Tickets cost $250 per person and include a glass of welcome champagne, a plated sit-down dinner of filet mignon and lobster tail (stuffed pepper vegetarian option available), poured red and white wines, silent and live auctions, and music and dancing, in addition to as many bon bons as you can eat from 23 of New Mexico’s finest chocolatiers.
“They’re very rich. They’re not Hershey’s. You can’t eat more than two or three,” said Foundation CEO Abigail Eaton.
The bon bons will contain alcohol, fruit, ganache and other fillings that make each flavor profile unique, and the sculptures will be composed of 80 percent chocolate, with the balance made up of confections. Chocolatiers are provided with hundreds of pounds of chocolate from Foodlinks and Shamrock Foods to build pieces that align with the “Lights, Camera” theme. They could be film projectors or reels for example. While the sculptures are 100 percent edible, they will be for viewing only.
“You never know what you’re going to see,” Eaton said.
In addition to a People’s Choice Award, chocolatiers will be selected for best artwork and best taste by a panel of three experts coming to Albuquerque from New York, Michigan and Texas just for the event.
“These are renowned chocolatiers who know what to look for in chocolate sculptures and chocolate taste,” Eaton said. “(The event) really is drawing attention nationally.” CBS’ Sunday Morning show featured Chocolate Fantasy in the past as an event not to be missed.
The evening kicks off with time for bon-bon tasting, sculpture voting, and auctions. Silent auction bidders can choose from art, wine and spirits, fine jewelry and fine experiences, and more. Some highlights of the live auction are a 10-day excursion to Kenya that includes visits to nature and wildlife conservancies, a hot-air balloon safari, and a boat ride on Lake Victoria; a flight of Glenmorangie single malt Scotch whiskey; Native etchings by Joseph Henry Sharp; and a side of beef donated by The Bill King Ranch.
A new fundraising initiative will be a Diamond Dig sponsored by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. A sandbox of about four feet by 16 inches will contain three diamonds and some cubic zirconia stones from the retailer. A chance to dig will cost $40, and people can buy as many digs as they wish. Those who uncover jewels will have their treasures tested on site to see who emerged with the real thing.
All money raised benefits the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation. The nonprofit’s sole mission is dedicated to advancing the educational, scientific, and cultural programs of the NM Museum of Natural History and Science by raising funds and generating community support. The museum, at 1801 Mountain Road NW, is operated by the State Department of Cultural Affairs, while the foundation is the fiscal agent responsible for attracting museum exhibits, managing grants and assisting in funding museum programming.
Chocolate Fantasy organizers expect a sellout of about 750 tickets. Black tie or cocktail attire is recommended. Tickets are available at www.naturalhistoryfoundation.org.
