Chocolate 'recipe for success' showcased in Naperville

Chocolate in all its glory was on display Sunday during the 12th annual Chocolate Festival sponsored by 360 Youth Services at Naperville Central High School.

Chocolate was for sale from more vendors than in the past and starred as an ingredient in desserts prepared for the Sweet Treats Baking Competition.

Chocolate was the focus, but this year, the youth services nonprofit group added six "Recipe for Success" sessions that focused not on baking but on life.

The 10-minute mini seminars were designed for parents and kids to attend together, and focused on topics such as expressing feelings, safe technology use for teens and communication skills in families.

Attendees also saw dancing, martial arts and singing performances and watched chefs prepare unique chocolate treats at the fundraiser, which helps 360 Youth Services provide substance abuse prevention education, counseling and shelter to kids, teens and adults.

Naperville Mother and daughter duo Anna and Sarah Zimmerman, 16, attended the festival.

"I am a chocolate lover, and I am here for the chocolate," Sarah said.

Her mother quickly added: "It is for a great cause."