The culinary arts and music department are teaming up to host their fourth annual “Champagne and Chocolate” event. The event is a fundraiser aimed at raising funds for scholarships for students from the music and culinary arts departments.

The Champagne and Chocolate event is going to be held Sunday from noon-3 p.m. at the Three Seasons Restaurant located in AA-239. For any interested guests, tickets will be $25 if purchased prior to the event and $30 for tickets at the door.

Culinary arts major Maryum Simpkins said “(The Champagne and Chocolate event) is like a showcase of what we do (in the program).”

Students who study baking in the culinary arts department will be preparing a variety of desserts for the public to enjoy. The event is open not only to students, staff and faculty at Contra Costa College, but also to members in the outlying community.

All money earned during the event goes toward scholarships that allow students to attend the culinary arts department’s study abroad trip.

During the event, a live jazz band comprised of students from the music department here at CCC will be performing to entertain guests.

Culinary arts department Chairperson Nader Sharkes said the event has been a large success in the past and he is hopeful that this year will be no different.

Last year the Champagne and Chocolate event attracted approximately 150 people. The event earned the department $3,750 for scholarships.

Culinary arts major Topaz Sanders says the department hopes for more attendees this year.
She said that there are unlimited servings of the desserts and champagne that will be provided.
Everything that will be provided for the guests is donated from various businesses, Sharkes said.

He said the event is also going to offer more than just champagne and chocolate. Students will also be serving cheese, chocolate, beer and wine. Nonalcoholic beverages and a chocolate fountain will be available as well, for those who do not wish to imbibe.

A quarter of the proceeds earned during the event will be given to the music department in order to fund scholarships for music majors on campus.

Aside from the live jazz band, a raffle will also be hosted during the event in order to entertain guests.

Sharkes said he encourages everyone to come and enjoy the event. He said it is the sort of event that he welcomes people to bring their friends and families to, in order to show their support.