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​LITTLE ROCK, AR (February 15, 2017) – The fourteenth annual Chocolate Fantasy Ball was the sweetest yet, setting a new record for money raised to help families stay close to their children who are being treated in area hospitals. The event brought in over $390,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Arkansas (RMHCA) to use in serving families who need a "home-away-from-home".

The black-tie event was held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 in the Wally Allen Ballroom at Statehouse Convention Center. It brought together over 650 guests who enjoyed signature chocolate martinis, 6,000 pieces of decadent chocolate delights, dining, dancing, spectacular live auctions, over 300 silent auctions and a unique raffle. KTHV’s Craig O’Neill served as the event’s emcee and Doug Westgate with Wilson Auctioneers performed the live auction.

Carla Gunderman, who has volunteered with Chocolate Fantasy Ball for the past five years, was Chair of this year’s successful event. The 2017 honoree was Susie Morgan who was recognized for her hard work, dedication and accomplishments as a Ronald McDonald House volunteer and board member. 

“We are extremely grateful for our friends and partners in the community who stepped up to support the 2017 Chocolate Fantasy Ball,” said RMHCA Executive Director Janell Mason. “It costs much more to operate our new facility, so we needed to grow this year’s event to continue giving families a free place to call home during very stressful times. Thanks to our sponsors, donors and attendees, it was the most successful gala to date.”

The Chocolate Fantasy Ball raises money to support the two core programs of RMHCA. The Ronald McDonald House® is a 32-bedroom "home-away-from-home" that provides housing and services to families who have a child receiving treatment at an area hospital. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® is a 40 foot, state-of-the-art mobile unit that provides free, full-service dental care and education to children who would not otherwise have access to dental care.

For more information about Chocolate Fantasy Ball or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas, please visit www.rmhcarkansas.org or call (501) 978-3118.

Fourteenth Annual Ronald McDonald House Gala Helps Keep Families Close

LITTLE ROCK, AR (February 11, 2017) – The fourteenth annual Chocolate Fantasy Ball, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Arkansas (RMHCA), is set for 6:00 p.m. this Saturday, February 11 at the Statehouse Convention Center.

The annual black tie event is Little Rock’s premier Valentine’s gala and is the largest fundraiser for RMHCA, with last year’s event resulting in $350,000 in contributions. This year’s special Chocolate Fantasy Ball honoree is RMHCA board member and volunteer Susie Morgan and the event chair is Carla Gunderman. The elegant evening will be emceed by KTHV’s Craig O'Neill and live music will be performed by White Chocolate.

This year’s celebration will be sweeter than ever with a chocolate-themed cocktail reception featuring our famous chocolate martinis and thousands of pieces of decadent chocolate from over 40 chocolate makers. There will also be a gourmet dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and a limited participation raffle with chances to win The Closet (for ladies) or The Cellar (for gentlemen), worth thousands of dollars each.

The fabulous live auction will include one of a kind items, such as a large, custom-built backyard playhouse created by Nabholz Construction, a custom-made gold and chocolate pearl necklace and earring set valued at $13,000 from Jones & Son, and a fantastic Super Bowl travel package for next year’s game provided by Clinton McDonald with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There will also be hunting trips, vacation getaways and more.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Arkansas enhances the lives of children and their families by creating and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. The Chocolate Fantasy Ball raises money to support the two core programs of RMHCA. The Ronald McDonald House® is a 32-bedroom home away from home that provides housing and services to over 900 families a year who have children receiving treatment at area hospitals. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® is a 40 foot, state-of-the-art mobile unit that provides free, full-service dental care and education to children who would not otherwise have access to dental care.

To purchase tickets for this year’s event, or to learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas, please visit www.chocolatefantasyball.com or call (501) 978-3118.