The 16th Annual Chocolate Fantasy, Cirque du Chocolat, was a deliciously unforgettable adventure

The 16th Annual Chocolate Fantasy, presented by KPMG, LLP to benefit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation attracted more than 850 community leaders and guests to another sell-out event on March 8, 2008. Total earnings for the 2008 gala topped $190,000.

Inspired by the famous Cirque du Soleil, “Cirque du Chocolat” sent guests whirling into an exuberant dreamscape under the Big Top while illuminating the artistry of New Mexico’s finest Chocolatiers. From stunning chocolate carvings to flowing fountains of the rich delicacy, “Cirque du Chocolat” dazzled the guest’s taste buds and senses.

Guests dined on French-themed cuisine amid brilliant and imaginative décor, danced to the live music of Daved Levine and Le Chat Lunatique, and mingled with vibrant and festively attired models. In true Cirque du Soleil fashion, guests also enjoyed incredible acrobatic performances throughout the evening, including juggling, stilt-walking, ribbon dancing, and even hoop performances directly above the grand ballroom’s dance floor.

The adventurous joined in on the bidding at “The Parisian Market,” an enormous silent auction with more than $150,000 in jewelry, art, travel, dining, spa, and many other items.

Guests could also purchase chances to win a 6-day, 5-night trip for two to Paris, France, courtesy of American Airlines and Classic Travel. One lucky winner took home the coveted Bon Voyage raffle package, complete with two international roundtrip airline tickets, first class hotel accommodations, and the winner’s choice of one of three amazing sightseeing tours.

Of course, what is Chocolate Fantasy if not for the magnificent chocolate creations from our esteemed Chocolatiers? Each Chocolatier created an intricate chocolate sculpture based on the event’s theme and competed in the Chocolate Invitational Competition, sponsored by Dillard’s. Chocolatiers were scored on the basis of both taste and artistic quality in one of three categories: Students and Schools; Restaurants, Caterers, and Artists; or Hotels and Casinos. The Chocolatier with the highest total score was also awarded the Best of Show distinction.

Best Taste / Most Artistic
Students and Schools

First Place:
Navajo Technical College, “Clownin’ Around”
Culinary Arts Class

Second Place:
Navajo Technical College, “Circus of the Past”
Culinary Arts Class

First Place:
Stephanie Orona and Angelo Orona, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls …”
Culinary Arts Class

Second Place:
Walter Burke Catering, “L’esprit pecoit ce que les yeux ne peuvent voir” Executive Chef Stacy Pearl

Third Place:
Nada, Inc., “Haley’s Amazing Circus” Sharon Wheet, Tara Bloom, & Christina Stanfield

First Place:
Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, “Sous le Grand Sommet” Pastry Chef Alexis Gutierrez

Second Place:
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, “The Contortionist” Pastry Chef Darci Rochau

Third Place:
Sandia Resort & Casino, “Du Grand Cirque” Pastry Chef Gary Ele

The Foundation thanks all of the sponsors who supported the 16th Annual Chocolate Fantasy:

Presenting Sponsor
KPMG, LLP

Platinum Sponsors
Intel
Summit Electric Supply

Gold Sponsors
Applied Research Associates, Citi, Dillard’s, Hunt Development Group

Silver Sponsors
Bank of the West, CVI Melles Griot, E3c Inc., Jaynes Corporation, Lewis and Roca, LLP, LithExcel, Sandia National Laboratories / Lockheed Martin / Technology Ventures Corporation, Sedberry & Associates, Tom Growney Equipment, Vulcan Inc.

Copper Sponsors
American Airlines, Beauchamp Jewelers, Classic Travel, Clear Channel Outdoor, Fogarty Klein Monroe, Frank Frost Photography, Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, KOB-TV, New Mexico Business Weekly, 99.5 Magic FM, and 770 KKOB News Radio.

To become a Sponsor for the 17th Annual Chocolate Fantasy on March 7, 2009 or to reserve a Corporate Table, please call Abigail Eaton, Director of Development, at (505) 841-2838.

If you would like to receive an invitation to Chocolate Fantasy 2009, please email:
jennie@NaturalHistoryFoundation.org

Click Here for pictures from Chocolate Fantasy 2007: Mayan Mystique: The Origins of Chocolate