Naperville event deliciously benefits charity

Remember that New Year's resolution about eating more salads and losing some weight?

That was all very nice, but let's face it: When it comes to dealing with a difficult winter, sometimes you've just got to push those crunchy greens to the back of the fridge and have a bite — or two or three — of some really good chocolate.

Which is just what folks were doing Saturday during 360 Youth Services' 11th annual Chocolate Festival at the Neuqua Valley High School Freshman Center in south Naperville.

Cathy Bouchard of Naperville got into the spirit of the day, saying “I love chocolate because of the health benefits.”

Visitors to the fest could try some free samples, watch chefs preparing unique chocolate treats and, of course, buy some chocolate to take home. There also was a Sweet Treats Baking Competition where contestants could enter cookies, brownies, candies, bars or a cake. The only requirement: They had to feature chocolate.

For those who wanted to go beyond the chocolate — the poor, deluded souls — there was a family activity room with moon jumps and games as well as live entertainment featuring singers, dancers and martial arts.

Proceeds from the festival benefit Naperville-based 360 Youth Services programs to prevent substance abuse through counseling and self-esteem programs.