Eating lots of chocolate can have its benefits.
And such is the case for the McCandless Crossing Chocolate Walk on March 1, a fundraiser for North Hills Community Outreach.
The sweet sequel to 2024’s inaugural chocolate walk is the result of last year’s great response, said Jeff Geissler, spokesperson for NHCO.
“It sold out. More than 225 participants took part, making the event a smashing success that raised thousands of dollars for neighbors in need in the region,” Geissler said.
This year’s event will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at McCandless Crossing, located on the corner of Duncan Avenue and McKnight Road. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at nhco.org.
The idea came from Michele Kisthardt, marketing director for McCandless Crossing, who proposed selling tickets to participants who would walk to numerous businesses at the complex and pick up chocolate treats along the way, Geissler said.
“The participants had passports that were marked at each stop. At the end of their walk, the fully marked passports were placed in a raffle for a grand prize of hundreds (of dollars’) worth of gift cards and experiences,” he said.
Walkers start at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, where they will be provided with a tote before beginning their chocolate walk.
“We’ll give hot chocolate out and pieces of chocolate candy, (including) Peter’s Chocolate that we sell in our market,” said Jay Cruz, general manager of the Fairfield Inn.
The hotel participated last year, and Cruz said they’re happy to join with the businesses there for the betterment of the community.
Bella Christie’s Sweet Boutique also is returning as a chocolate walk participant.
“It will be something very chocolatey and decadent,” said bakery director of operations, Melanie Schmidt, on what the shop will be providing.
“We love to participate in helping the NHCO. We’ve done other things with the NHCO as well. It’s a great organization. We are happy to be part of their fundraising efforts,” Schmidt said.
So far, 13 other participants are part of the walk, with more possibly to come.
Money raised will go toward the NHCO general fund and programs, Geissler said.
The nonprofit offers a food pantry, senior citizen services, transportation assistance, utility and emergency aid, attorney assistance, education assistance, free tax preparation and employment services. The main office is in Hampton, with offices in Millvale and the North Boroughs location in Avalon.
Other upcoming NHCO events include the second annual all-you-can-eat Community BBQ presented by Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road in McCandless, which is set for noon to 3 p.m. April 27. Tickets go on sale March 3 at nhco.org/bbq.
