Highlands alumna Oneida L ‘Esperance gives her husband, Elmer Aragon, a hug at HU Loves Alumni Feb. 10, 2018.
Photo: Margaret McKinney/University Relations
Las Vegas, New Mexico – Who will win the battle of the best chocolate dessert in Las Vegas? Find out Feb. 7 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 takes place in the Highlands University Student Center Ballroom at 800 National Ave. until 8 p.m.
The desserts featured in the competition showcase local extravagant chocolate delicacies from Dick’s Restaurant, The Range Café, Pookie’s Bakery and Café, The Skillet Restaurant, Sugarbomb Bake Shoppe, Ulibarri Farms Candy Shoppe, and Sodexo, the Highlands food service.
“Instead of the traditional decadent chocolate buffet we’ve had in past years, we’re mixing it up this year by adding 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, an adult hot cocoa and coffee bar, and more.
“Another exciting element of Highlands Loves Family this year is that Borracho’s Craft Booze and Brews will be providing samples of specially selected wines that pair well with chocolate. Sara Jo Mathews, Borracho’s manager, is communicating with each chocolate competitor to discuss ingredients so that the wine selections perfectly complement the dessert.”
Salman said the chocolate competition showcases local food and other businesses.
“We hope each chocolate competitor will see an increase in their business after the event. Generous individuals and businesses who donate to the silent auction will have their names listed in the program and on the bidding tables,” Salman said.
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 lylamaestas@nmhu.edu. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
Salman said Highlands Loves Family and other Foundation Office initiatives benefit student success, noting that “These and other Foundation Office events help support things like student scholarships, high-impact education practices, student and alumni activities, and more.”
Salman said everyone is welcome at the Highlands Loves Family event.
“You don’t need to be an alum to join the fun; you just have to love Highlands.”