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Society Spotlight: NCO Chocolate Festival
How do you get more than 1,500 people to come out on a cold January day? Offer them plenty of chocolate of course! The eighth Annual NCO Youth and Family Services festival at Neuqua Valley Freshman Center encouraged everyone to come out of hibernation as they offered a day of fun and frivolity on a tasty chocolate theme.
CBS2 investigative reporter Dave Savini didn't have to travel too far or put his journalistic skills to the test as he demonstrated two favorite chocolate recipes with his 14-year-old daughter Desiree. The local celebrity lives just a few blocks from the school. Dave surprised the crowd with his imitation Portillo's chocolate cake which uses mayonnaise as an unusual ingredient. "This cake is great if you are in a hurry," he said.
Although Dave loves his TV job he admits he has other ambitions.
"I would love to live on a beach, write novels and have my own cooking show," he laughed.
More well known faces could be found judging the ever popular Sweet Treats baking contest.
Naperville's mayor, A George Pradel said: "It's great to see all these people. It's a great fundraiser."
Mayor Pradel, who was judging chocolate cookies, said he prefers them crisp.
"When they're softer, I feel they weren't in the oven long enough," he said.
Fellow judge John Schmitt, Chairman of Naperville Chamber of Commerce, said he was looking for the "wow factor", while Raffi Demerdjian of Raffi's on Fifth wanted "something special."
Over in the vendor's hall, Jeny Lee of JenyLee Cup Cakery, was serving up gooey samples of chocolately goodness.
"Key Lime cup cakes are our most popular, but today is all about the chocolate," she said.
NCO Executive Director Ron Hume was delighted with the attendance. Although he describes the festival as more of a fun raiser than a fund raiser, he anticipated collecting about $10,000.
"Most non profits do more for adults, what we do is give back to families in the community," he said. "For $20 a family of four can have a whole day of activities. It's the middle of January, so they are looking for some fun stuff to do."
When it comes to chocolate, Ron is very specific about his choice.
"I like a really good moist chocolate cake with a lot of icing," he said, "with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of French roast coffee." -Hilary Decent, Features Editor