Chocolate creations whip up funds for benefit

Looking for a reason to indulge in the decadence of chocolate?

Cooking with Karen and Everyday Gourmet Personal Chef Service are holding a fundraising cooking class called Chocolate for a Cause.

Every month, Cooking with Karen holds a cooking class, but this month, all proceeds are being donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Last September, Karen Tempel and her 21-year-old daughter decided to become a part of the Team in Training to run a marathon (26.2 miles) to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. They had their sights set on a run scheduled to be held in Myrtle Beach in February and trained accordingly. However, the event was canceled because of snowy weather.

The mother and daughter duo didn't give up and rescheduled to be a part of the June marathon in San Diego, Calif. However, this means training must continue. The pair is running between 7 and 10 miles a day and had logged more than 500 miles before February. As the marathon approaches, their runs will increase to 18 to 20 miles a day. They didn't let the hiccup in the plan deter them from their cause.

"This cause is very dear to me as my mother is a 12-year leukemia survivor," Tempel said. "After the Myrtle Beach run was canceled, we decided this was just a chance to raise more money. We already raised over $5,000, which was our original goal."

The cooking class seemed like the perfect idea to serve as a fundraiser. A $50 tax-deductible donation is the price of admission to the chocolate cooking class during which five recipes will be prepared. Attendees will be able to sample each dish as well as take home the recipe.

"Treat yourself to an all-chocolate evening. Chocolate is known to elevate the mood, and what better way to spend a night out than indulging in an antioxidant-rich chocolate feast?" Tempel said.

The class will be held in the cafe of the former Book Stall building on Hayne Avenue in downtown Aiken. Chocolate for a Cause will be held on March 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. In addition, there will be a silent auction for decadent delights.

Call 644-7004 or e-mail karen@letkarencook.com to make a reservation for the class. For more information about the fundraising or to donate, visit Team Tempel at www.teamintraining.org.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.

Want to Go?

What? Chocolate for a Cause

When? March 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Where? 413 Hayne Ave. (formerly The Book Stall)

Cost? $50 tax-deductible donation