A Week of Chocolate - 7 Proven Fundraising Ideas

Chocolate lovers - can you imagine a whole week full of chocolate?

What started out as a "night of chocolate" more than 15 years ago for a local non-profit has evolved into seven days of chocolate events that benefit a whole community.

It's an incredible week full of chocolate-themed events that have proven to be a highlight each year in Bloomington, Indiana.

While most of you will never make it to this small college town to enjoy the festivities, these events can serve as great examples for other non-profits or community organizations that are looking for fresh fundraising ideas.

Looking for a fun way to bring family and friends together? Try a bingo night with a chocolate theme. Players can play to win chocolate treats. A basic admission fee is charged that benefits the chosen charity.

Volunteers can create the winning treats or local chefs can be asked to donate special creations.

An interactive murder mystery dinner or party centered around chocolate.

This year, Bloomington is hosting a "Murder in Casino City". Members of the local acting community put the event on.

A decadent chocolate dessert from a local restaurant is served with coffee and tea during the mystery.

A family event full of athletic competitions with chocolate prizes. Bring on the family team spirit!

The Chocolate Olympics in Bloomington includes a scooter obstacle course, jump rope contest, a hoop shoot contest and cookie decorating contest.

The possibilities are endless with this type of themed event. Consider other events like: 3-legged races, hula hoop contest, limbo contest, bean bag tossing, and much more!

Formal or informal - this can be loads of fun for everyone.

During "The Week of Chocolate" in Bloomington, the prom is held on a Friday night at an "all ages" music club. An admission price is charged and free chocolate treats are available during the night of live music and dancing! Proceeds go to the charity of choice.

Inspired by "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". This can be loads of fun for kids.

At the carnival, booths are themed according to the personalities of the movie characters. The characters offer games and activities. Each child has the chance to win one of the golden tickets that can be redeemed for a special prize.

The Wonka's Chocolate Carnival in Bloomington even includes a chocolate river!

Design your own sundaes!

An event created for the whole family that explores the history of ice cream making and includes old-time music.

Bloomington holds their "Sundaes on Saturday" at the local history museum and creates a fun and educational afternoon.

A more upscale event that includes fine food, chocolate desserts, wine tasting, music and an art show. Chocolate creations and hors d'oeuvres are provided by local celebrity chefs.

The Art of Chocolate evening in Bloomington includes a live chocolate painting by a celebrity artist and is held at the Indiana University Art Museum.

The seven days above are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other events that can be themed around chocolate. Past and present events have also included:

"Night of Chocolate" - community members submit their chocolate creations for judging and prizes. After the judging is complete, the event is opened up and community members come sample the creations for an admission price.

"Chocolate Truffle Making" - hosted by the local cooking school, community members can spend an evening learning how to make chocolate truffles. Proceeds from the class go to the charity of choice.

Tour a photo gallery of a past year's Week of Chocolate - HERE

Enjoy:)