Rotary’s 12th Annual McLean Chocolate Festival

Sponsor Mars Inc. makes a difference.

Story by Mercia Hobson

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

01/31/2024-READY FOR MARY- Rotary’s 12th Annual McLean Chocolate Festival: Sponsor Mars. Inc. makes a difference.


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Photo by Mercia Hobson/ The Connection

Nellie Bartkowski, 11, and Nora Bartkowski, 13, of McLean, can’t say no to the fruit and cake kabobs for lunch. The melted chocolate takes them to another level, making the treat irresistible. 


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Photo by Mercia Hobson/ The Connection

Young Henry Zarick listens to Joanne Cosial as she hands him a curious wooden implement with a slender handle and knob at the end. It is a Mexican molinillo used to whisk frothy chocolate drinks by rubbing the handle between one’s palms. 


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Photo by Mercia Hobson/ The Connection

Twins Amina and Arman, 8, of McLean, carefully choose their selections with the help of Rebecca from Le Papiyon and place them in their golden boxes to enjoy later.


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Photo by Mercia Hobson/ The Connection

 Arden Zhu, 2, and Zhen Li, of Tysons: Having enjoyed the chocolates, it is time for a little face-cleaning. 


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Photo by Mercia Hobson/ The Connection

The Capital Candy Jar is a hit at the McLean Rotary’s 12th annual Chocolate Festival.


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Photo by Mercia Hobson/ The Connection

Clockwise, volunteers Connie Sawtell, Herndon; Yusuf Ali, Falls Church; Thilini Wanigasinghe, Falls Church; Jon Berkson, McLean; Todd Dempsey, Centreville; and Lesley Arietta, Falls Church, stuff the totes bags with chocolates and information.  

 


Rotary’s 12th Annual McLean Chocolate Festival

Sponsor Mars Inc. makes a difference.

 

<1b>By Mercia Hobson

<2b>The Connection

 

On Sunday, Jan. 28, the McLean Rotary Chocolate Festival returned to the McLean Community Center for its 12th annual event. Everyone, from club members to multi-aged volunteers to sponsors, pitched in to help with the event's production. They collected the $3 admissions, packed tote bags with information and samples of chocolate treats, and helped out in the kids' game room.

John McEvilly, a Rotarian and spokesperson for the club, said he expected the club to make between $25,000 and $27,000 after expenses. “With that, in addition to the interest from dividends the club receives from its foundations and endowments, it will be able to provide grants to the different organizations in the range of $40,000 to $45,000."

McEvilly identified MARS as the event’s major sponsor. “We would have had a very hard time being successful without their help," he said.

Asked which of the club’s fund recipients was his favorite, McEvilly, without pause, said Homestretch, Inc., which is based in Falls Church. 

The Capital Candy Jar is a hit at the McLean Rotary’s 12th annual Chocolate Festival. 

 

According to McEvilly, the nonprofit helps children and single mothers who are going through extremely difficult times get back on their feet by teaching them the skills and knowledge they need. Many of Homestretch’s clients arrive at the nonprofit's doorsteps in despair. Many are fleeing for their lives from domestic abuse; many are trapped in the cycle of poverty. Homestretch helps many of them go on to have successful careers.

Among its long list of 2023 projects funded through the proceeds of the McLean Rotary Chocolate Festival, the club awarded graduating high school seniors $10,000 in college scholarships. It donated funds to a nearby children's center so the young clients could eat a healthy breakfast and lunch every day, and it provided funds to a local homeless shelter so families could get gas and Uber cards to get them to work, school, and doctor appointments.

The McLean Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at noon at 1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.