Chocolate is always a treat. The sweet taste is even more delightful when it serves a good purpose. The inaugural Chocolate Festival was held Wednesday in the ballroom at Memorial Hall to raise money for the Office for Violence Prevention.

Larry Gourdine, relationship and sexual violence prevention coordinator for the Office for Violence Prevention, wanted to raise awareness of these issues as well as raise money.

“It is a fundraiser to benefit the office and our student group and to offer more programs for the campus community,” Gourdine said. “Our mission is to raise awareness for issues such as sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment and dating violence. We did this in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is April.”

The event brought in local and regional vendors who wanted to get involved. Chinedu Agbaere, the representative from Chick-fil-A in the Beechwood shopping center, said he believes the Chocolate Festival was worthwhile. “It is a good cause and it promotes non-violence,” Agbaere said.

People lined up to get inside, where there were a number of chocolate dishes to be sampled. Starbucks gave out coffee and cake, and Chick-fil-A had brownies, sweet tea and coupons for attendees.

In the middle of the room was a fountain flowing with white chocolate, surrounded by pretzels, cherries and cake pieces to dip into the chocolate.

In addition to the food, there was a raffle, a scavenger hunt and free T-shirts were given out.

Students seemed excited about the Office for Violence Prevention’s approach to fundraising.

“Rape is a sensitive subject, and this is a unique and different way to raise awareness about it,” senior Nick Abelein said.

Other students were just happy to enjoy the chocolate.

“This is the most delicious event I’ve ever been to,” freshman Megan Gay said.

While many in attendance were happy to have chocolate, Gourdine hopes they left with more than a satisfied sweet tooth.

“Chocolate is a great way to get people here, but our overall mission is to raise awareness of the issues.”