Chocolate Competition Raises Money For Third Way Center

DENVER (CBS4) - A different kind of fundraiser taught at-risk youth the "tasty"art of philanthropy on Thursday.

More than 250 people gathered at the soon-to-be-renovated Union Station in LoDo and enjoyed "Say it with Chocolate, Denver's Best Chocolate Competition!"

"This event raises funds for some of Colorado's most vulnerable, mentally ill and potentially homeless teens who are residents of Third Way Center," Tami Lack with the Third Way Center said in a statement.

The event raises funded for Third Way Center's alternative high school, The Joan Farley Academy.  CBS4's Tom Mustin was the emcee.

"This event would not be possible without the generosity of many local vendors, restaurants, caterers and chocolatiers," Lack said.  "These 'angels' provide the food, not just for the local celebrity judges, but for everyone who comes to the event.

Union Station donated the space for the event.

Winners are listed below:

Denver's Best Cake or Torte:
McCormick's Catering at the Oxford Hotel & Spa:
Three Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake

Denver's Best Candies:
Enstrom Candies
Enstrom's Famous Almond Toffee

Denver's Best Truffles:
Robin Chocolates Lavender Truffle
Truffles in Paradise Caramelized Passion Fruit Butterfly Truffle

Denver's Best Cookies & Brownies:
McCormick's Catering at the Oxford Hotel & Spa:
House made Chocolate Brownie with Bananas

Denver's Best Miscellaneous Chocolate Creation:
Too Haute Cowgirls Gourmet Popcorn:
Fistful of Fleur de Sel

Honorable Mention:
Robin Chocolates:  Salt Caramel Lollipop

Amateur Winners:
Joan Farley Academy Students:  Chocolate Teacup Filled with Mixed Berries
Jane Dempsey:  Jane's Famous Brownies and Fudge
Cyl Barbosa:  Chicken Mole a la Arvizu

People's Choice Awards
(All guests of the event are asked to judge each category, too)

Denver's Best Cake or Torte:
Lovely Confections:  Chocolate Cake Pops
The Shoppe:  Death by Chocolate Cupcakes

Denver's Best Candies:
Enstrom Candies:  Almond Toffee

Denver's Best Truffles:
Truffles in Paradise (Assorted Truffles)

Denver's Best Miscellaneous Chocolate Creation:
Too Haute Cowgirls Gourmet Popcorn

Honorable Mention:
Robin Chocolates (Assorted Truffles)

Amateur Winners:

Denver's Best Candies:
Joan Farley Academy Chocolate Teacup w/ mixed berries

Denver's Best Cookies/Brownies:
Jane Dempsey

Denver Best Miscellaneous Creation:
Cyl Barbosa:  Chicken Mole a la Arvizu

Honorable Mention:
JFA White Tigers Basketball Team:  Chili with a hint of chocolate