The John Chapman Kiwanis Foundation is pleased to announce the 12th Annual Kiwanis ChocolateFest, a chocolate-themed fundraising event benefiting Riley Hospital for Children and other children’s charities, programs, and projects serving underserved and underprivileged youth throughout Allen County and Northeast Indiana.
News release from the John Chapman Kiwanis Foundation:
Kiwanis and Ceruti’s Catering Host Chocolate-Themed Fundraiser Benefiting Riley Hospital and Area Children’s Charities
Fort Wayne, Indiana (December 14, 2025) — The John Chapman Kiwanis Foundation is pleased to announce the 12th Annual Kiwanis ChocolateFest, a chocolate-themed fundraising event benefiting Riley Hospital for Children and other children’s charities, programs, and projects serving underserved and underprivileged youth throughout Allen County and Northeast Indiana.
The event will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at Ceruti’s Diamond Room, located at 6601 Innovation Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46818. Held the Friday before Valentine’s Day, ChocolateFest offers an evening designed to delight chocolate lovers while supporting a meaningful cause.
Guests will enjoy an indulgent experience featuring three chocolate dipping stations—dark, milk, and white chocolate—along with a variety of gourmet chocolate desserts, a full dinner, and a “build-your-own” ice cream sundae bar sponsored by Prairie Farms. The evening will also include live entertainment by Al Parr and his Creole Candy Band, a cash bar, and a silent auction offering unique items and experiences.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from Kiwanis ChocolateFest will directly benefit Riley Hospital for Children and additional children’s charities and programs focused on improving the lives of youth across Northeast Indiana.
“Partnering with Ceruti’s Catering allows us to create an unforgettable event that brings our community together for a great cause,” said Jim Cherry, John Chapman Kiwanis Foundation. “ChocolateFest reflects Kiwanis’ mission of improving the world—one child and one community at a time. Sharing that mission over chocolate, music, and friendship makes the impact even sweeter.”
Community members are encouraged to bring friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy an evening of entertainment, indulgence, and philanthropy in support of children in need.
Tickets are $65 each and will include the whole experience! Companies so inclined, may purchase a Corporate VIP table of 8 for $750. VIP tables, located in a prime area, will have a special centerpiece with the donor’s name, recognition in the donor summary brochure, and other benefits. The foundation appreciates the major financial support of the McComb Family Foundation, O’Daniel Automotive, Rivers Relaxation, Current Mechanical, Habitat for Humanity, DO McComb Funeral Home, Republic Services, DKM Embroidery, and Lomont Realty. Other sponsor levels include $50, $100, and $250 underwriting the event’s expenses.
For more information, to reserve your tickets, become a sponsor, or donate silent auction items, contact the John Chapman Kiwanis Foundation at 260-637-8184. There will be no tickets available for purchase at the door. Tickets are also available.
The John Chapman Kiwanis Foundation is a non-profit (501c3) organization which is dedicated to carrying out the global mission of Kiwanis International. Kiwanis Club members are highly active volunteers in the community and sponsor youth service programs such as the Aktion Club for the developmentally disabled, Scouting America, Terrific Kids and more. John Chapman Club meetings are held every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in SunRise Café, 10230 Coldwater Road. For more information on the Kiwanis Club, contact Club Membership at 260-637-8184, or like them on Facebook. Visit ChocolateFest’s Facebook page.
Date: February 13, 2026
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Ceruti’s Diamond Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818
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