Eight fortunate Hawaii non-profits were named by the Kona Cacao Association (KCA) as its 2019 Big Island Chocolate Festival beneficiaries. The organizations — Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture, Waimea Country School, Kona Pacific Public Charter School’s West Hawaii Summer Lunch Program and Kona Dance & Performing Arts, plus the culinary programs at Hawaii Community College Palamanui, Kealakehe High School, Hawai‘i Island High Schools and Maui Community College — will be awarded a portion of the proceeds from the 2019 festival. Last year’s five awardees received $27K.
The Big Island Chocolate Festival is an annual two-day fundraising event that showcases all things chocolate including cacao farming seminar, chocolate cooking demonstrations, and a splashy gala that features more than 30 food, wine and beer booths.
More than 600 guests attended the two-day festival in 2018, and 2019 is expected to be another sell-out affair. Three distinct room packages are available, including a Two-Night Chocolate Weekender package. All room packages include a pair of tickets to the Saturday evening gala. Although individual VIP tickets are sold out, they are still available when purchasing a Chocolate Lover’s Room package. General admission gala tickets are $89.
Click here for more information and ticket sales.
The “must-attend” festival gala is on Saturday, April 27, 5-9pm. Each ticket includes unlimited tastings of food, wine, beer and cocktails, a silent auction, dancing, chocolate body painting, a yummy chocolate fountain and more.
Kona Cacao Association: The mission and goal of KCA is to promote the cacao industry on the Big Island of Hawai‘i by presenting BICF as an educational and outreach opportunity for local cacao farmers, the hospitality industry and cacao enthusiasts. Visit http://konacacaoassociation.com. @BIChocoFest