Rape Crisis Center’s 10th Annual Chocolate de Vine Fundraiser

Chocolatier Ben Taylor, Mama Ganache wins Peoples Choice Award

By Bonnie Carroll

Over 300 people registered to join in for the mouth-watering celebration of chocolate and wine at Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center’s 10th Annual Chocolate de Vine fundraiser and the unveiling of the new agency name, logo, and colors on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Santa Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.

Chocolate de Vine fundraiser benefits Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center, founded in 1974 to support survivors of sexual assault. SBRCC offers a 24-hour hotline, crisis, and long-term counseling, self-defense programs, and sexual assault prevention education programs. All services are offered, regardless of ability to pay, in English and Spanish.

SBPD Officer Payne with K-9 dog Jake

Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Elsa Granados, SBRCC Director, and Mayor Cathy Murillo all spoke of the important work the organization provides in the community and unveiled the new agency name, logo, and colors “Standing Together To End Sexual Assault” celebrated with a champagne toast.

City Council Member Gregg Hart and Mayor Cathy Murillo were MCs for the live auction, which included K-9 training and demonstration from SBPD Officer Payne & his dog Jake, as well as great trips, a valuable surprise box, Golf at Hyatt Regency Monterey, Taste of Mexico Tamales & Tequila, Evolutions Mother’s Day package and a Salsa Dance Night that included a Salsa demonstration by Mayor Murillo, Gregg Hart and ME Sabor Dance Company members. Donations to the live auction were generous and a good time was had by all.

The benefit offered fabulous chocolate creations from local chocolatier’s and pastry chefs. Delicious hors d’oeuvres were served by Rincon Catering. Ben Taylor, Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates won the coveted People’s Choice Award and Stafford’s Chocolates won the Best Tabletop Presentation.

Chocolate participants included Anna’s Bakery, Dulzura Rustique Crepes Cakes, LeLe Patisserie, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Old Danish Fudge Kitchen, Robitaille’s, and Stafford’s Chocolates Wineries included Area 5.1, Giessinger Winery, Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, Pali Wine Co., Rideau Vineyard, and Riverbench Vineyard & Winery. Breweries included Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, Telegraph Brewing Company, and Third Window Brewing Company. Easy Lift provided transportation for guests from several locations, and it was a delicious afternoon for charity!