2025 Chocolate Celebration
Sweet Traditions & Stronger Community: 2025 Chocolate Celebration Draws Big Crowd for a Worthy Cause
One of Kokomo’s most beloved community events made its much-anticipated return this Friday, and it did not disappoint. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Samaritan Caregivers’ 23rd annual Chocolate Celebration transformed One Church into a bustling hub of decadent delights and heartfelt generosity, drawing hundreds of chocolate lovers to enjoy a truly sweet cause — supporting Howard County’s senior citizens.
A Fundraiser with Flavor
“The Chocolate Celebration is our cornerstone fundraiser,” shared Jamey Henderson, executive director of Samaritan Caregivers. “It’s a fun, community-centered event that brings people together to support a serious mission — helping seniors maintain their independence and dignity.”
Admission to the event was free, with tasting tickets available in advance or at the door — five for $20 — each exchangeable for one delicious chocolate item. And with 37 vendors participating (one more than last year), guests had plenty of options to satisfy every kind of sweet tooth.
Creative Offerings and Local Pride
This year’s event boasted an impressive array of over 100 chocolate creations. From velvety truffles to inventive chocolate-infused savories, the celebration was a showcase of local talent and creativity. Long-time community businesses joined forces with nonprofits, boutiques, and even some non-food businesses who teamed up with professional bakers to craft original offerings.
“The creativity we see each year is amazing,” said Henderson. “Some vendors aren’t even in the food business, but they partner with professionals or home bakers to come up with something really special. It’s all about offering a good value for that ticket.”
More Than Just Sweets
Vendors like Humble Home and Mama Karen’s added variety to the experience by offering non-edible gift items — many of them perfect for early Mother’s Day shopping. The Middle of Nowhere Food Truck made its event debut this year, parked front and center with a chocolate creation available for ticket exchange, as well as its full savory menu for sale throughout the day.
Judging the Joy
One of the event’s highlights? The much-anticipated judging of the chocolate entries. Six judges, split into teams, sampled all 37 chocolate items and awarded winners in eight categories:
Baked Goods
Cakes and Cupcakes
Cookies and Bars
Candy
Beverages
Ice Cream and Pudding
Gluten-Free/Sugar-Free
Savory
Judges also awarded prizes for Best Table Presentation, Top Newcomer, and People’s Choice, which was determined by the number of tickets each vendor collected.
Powered by Volunteers, Fueled by Community
The event’s smooth operation is a testament to the 80 volunteers who pitched in — from ticket sales and setup to clean-up — all easily spotted in their bright blue Chocolate Celebration t-shirts.
At its heart, though, this day of indulgence is about much more than chocolate. It’s about the mission: helping local seniors live independently, with dignity and care.
“We’re grateful to the vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who make this possible,” said Henderson. “It’s more than chocolate — it’s connection, compassion, and Kokomo at its finest.”
Stay Tuned
Eager to know who won this year’s top honors? Follow Samaritan Caregivers on Facebook for the official announcement of the 2025 Chocolate Celebration winners.
In the meantime, enjoy this sweet glimpse into an event that continues to prove that a little chocolate — and a lot of heart — can go a long way.
