Chocolate treats to help with Habitat for Humanity Homes built with sweets

By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Staff Writer

February 06, 2008 11:49 am

— Decadent chocolate covering many delectable treats is a temptation few can resist.
The second annual Home Sweet Home Chocolate Festival benefits Muskogee Habitat For Humanity from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Muskogee Civic Center.
Karen Bradley, event coordinator, said the chocolate sampling festival was a big hit last year, raising more than $22,000 for Muskogee Habitat for Humanity. She said she expects that number to double this year.
“We have had a wonderful response to this year’s planning of the event,” Bradley said.
Todd Rackley, owner of Chandler Road Donuts, said he was more than happy to give his time to the chocolate festival.
“I did this last year,” he said. “And we had a great time. It was a lot of fun.”
Rackley, lifelong resident of Muskogee, is making his valentine shaped doughnuts for the festival.
“It was a big hit with the people last year so, of course, I asked them back,” Bradley said.
Letters that spell out ‘I love you,’ and different heart shapes covered in sweet frosting and sprinkles will be available for ticket holders to nosh on.
“We use a mix that no one has in this area,” Rackley said. “The closest place that has it is in Kansas City. You can tell the difference in the food. I believe in quality.”
Rackley is no stranger to helping Habitat for Humanity. He has helped them before, along with his church.
“I like to helping out with habitat,” Rackley said. “It helps people in need in our own area.”
Entertainment for the festival will be local band, Wild Card, who will play for the duration of the event.
Local vendors will be on site with booths for the indulgent samplings.
And a couple of the many items available for auction is a $500 gift certificate to Bella Mia’s Medical Spa and a playhouse complete with running electricity and shingles.
“The playhouses brought about $1,400 each last year,” Bradley said. “People seemed very interested in them, so we got volunteers together to make more.”
Bradley said in order to get involved with Habitat for Humanity, you don’t necessarily have to be a carpenter.
“Anyone can do this,” she said. “They can do anything they want from stuffing envelopes to bringing food out to the workers. All walks of life can get involved.”

Reach Travina Coleman @684-2901 or tcoleman @muskogeephoenix.com.

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