jbulger@journalnet.com

POCATELLO - It was an easy justification for the adults to sample some chocolate Saturday evening. And then a little more. And just another smidgen. And maybe a bit after that.

Why not, since it was all for the kids.

The "Sweetness" Chocolate Extravaganza, a fundraising event for the Pocatello Community Charter School and Idaho Foodbank, drew a crowd of more than 100 to sample chocolate in its many forms, from ornate candy to creamy fountains to traditional Mexican fare.

Martha Martin, dean of the charter school, sporting a gaudy feather boa and Mardi Gras beads, explained that the school must look to novel means to ensure adequate funding for the extracurricular activities the students enjoy.

"When funds are short for schools, one of the first things that gets cut are those activities that happen outside of school," she said.

The charter school sponsors a host of such learning activities, such as attending a Shakespeare festival in Oregon, an expedition to Yellowstone Park, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, indoor and outdoor climbing and backpacking.

"That takes money," Martin said.

Attendees were able to sample the wares of 15 different vendors and vote - by depositing money in the ballot boxes - for their favorite chocolate concoction. Alli Flores and her husband, Angel, offered one of the more interesting items, chocolate chicken mole.

"In Mexico, this is one of the biggest traditional dishes," Alli Flores said.

Gina Katsilometes whipped up a batch of Tuile cookies with white chocolate lime and mocha mousse, as much a mouthful to sample as to say.

Two vendors incorporated chocolate into their beers, which proved popular and gave proof to the adage that chocolate goes well with everything.

A chocolate porter by John O'Connell won best of show.

As Mardi Gras-themed guests mingled through the crowd from vendor to vendor in the food bank warehouse, they spoke conspiratorially about their favorite treats.

"Oh, the white chocolate is yummy," one enthusiast told her friend.