** 2024 Commencement Updates **

** 2024 Commencement Updates **

Highlands’ ‘Love and War’ Chocolate Competition February 6

January 21, 2020

Photo of Sara Jo Mathews from Borracho's Craft Booze and Brews pouring wine for attendees at last year’s “Love and War” chocolate event.

Sara Mathews from Borracho’s Craft Booze and Brews pours wine for attendees at last year’s Love and War Chocolate event.

Las Vegas, New Mexico – Who will win the battle of the best chocolate dessert in Las Vegas? Find out on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. when the Highlands Foundation Office hosts a chocolate tasting competition and fundraiser for student success.

The Highlands Loves Family “Love and War” event is in the Highlands University Student Center Ballroom at 800 National Ave. until 7:30 p.m.

The desserts featured in the competition showcase local extravagant chocolate delicacies from Dick’s Restaurant, The Range Café, The Skillet Restaurant, Ulibarri Farms Candy Shoppe, Charlie’s Bakery and Café, Hillcrest Restaurant, and Sodexo, the Highlands University food service.

“We’re having a friendly competition between local businesses to decide who makes the best chocolate dessert in town,” said Juli Salman, Highlands Alumni Office director. “The people who attend the fundraiser will vote and select the winner.”

The event features hors d’oeuvres, live music from local jazz ensemble Contrafact, a silent auction of Valentine’s Day gifts and an adult hot cocoa and coffee bar.

“Another popular element of Highlands Loves Family again this year is that Borracho’s Craft Booze and Brews will be providing samples of specially selected wines that pair well with chocolate. The wine selections will complement the desserts,” Salman said.

Salman said the chocolate competition showcases local food and retail businesses.

“Generous individuals and businesses who donate to the silent auction will have their names listed in the program and on the bidding tables. Last year, attendance was beyond our expectations because local businesses helped promote the event,” Salman said.

Salman said the timing of the event the week before Valentine’s Day gives people the opportunity to bid on special gifts for their sweetheart.

Tickets for Highlands Loves Family “Love and War” are $10 and are available through the Highlands Foundation Office by calling 505-454-3248 or by emailing alumni@nmhu.edu. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Salman said all Foundation Office initiatives, including Highlands Loves Family, benefit student success.

“These and other Foundation Office events help support things like student scholarships, high-impact education practices, student and alumni activities and more,” Salman said.

Salman said everyone is welcome at the Highlands Loves Family “Love and War” event.

“You don’t need to be an alum or have a date to join the fun, you just have to love Highlands,” Salman said.