Chocolate House Auction Raises $1,600 for Habitat for Humanity

Pennsylvania College of Technology students raised nearly $1,600 for Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity when they auctioned the chocolate buildings and other sweets they created for the School of Hospitality's annual Food Show, which was held Dec. 7.

The centerpiece for the "House for a Home" fundraiser was 13 houses, constructed completely of chocolate and decorated with other sweets, which were sold in silent auction while visitors browsed intricate final projects from seven advanced classes, including decoratively plated main courses and appetizers, artistic ice, tallow and salt dough sculptures, intricate desserts, and tiered cakes.

The silent house auction was capped off by a live auction conducted by auctioneer Scott Younkin, of Linden of student-created holiday goodies including gingerbread houses, holiday cakes, chocolate boxes filled with truffles, yule logs, cookie trays and more to add to the Habitat funds.

Food Show entries from the seven classes were judged by Pennsylvania Hospitality professionals Dennis Eckrote, executive chef, Elizabeth's-An American Bistro; Liz Furia, owner, Elizabeth's; Tracie Gotshall, baking and pastry arts instructor, Lancaster County Career and Technology Center; Andrew Pruden, innkeeper, The Inn at Turkey Hill; and Matthew Revak, executive chef, The Inn at Turkey Hill.

The judges awarded the Chef Eugene Mattucci Best of Show award to Kristan N. Kessler, of Elysburg, for her stately Victorian chocolate mansion. Mattucci is a longtime School of Hospitality supporter, Food Show judge, and owner of Mattucci's in Mount Carmel.

The winners from each course are:

• Artistic Buffet Decoration: First place: Christopher R. Grove, Linden; Adam J. Krasley, Williamsport; and Matthew C. Onderko, Gillett; second place: Lynzi K. Green, Port Matilda, and Michael R. Everd, Baltimore; third place: Joshua J. Fidler, Schuylkill Haven.
• Advanced Garde Manger: First place: Katelyn M. Dymond, Dushore, and Annie M. Kinney, Milton; second place: Joshua R. Jensen, Pleasant Mount, and James Kyle Hanjaras, Montrose; third place: Leanda J. Hill, Allenwood, and Sarah J. Dries, McEwensville.
• Classical Cuisines of the World: First place: Derek Richards, Lititz; second place: Joshua A. Aucker, Williamsport.
• Classical and Specialty Dessert Presentation: First place: Kristan N. Kessler, Elysburg; second place: Deandra M. Lupacckino, Reading; third place: Laura B. Immel, Muncy.
• Principles of Chocolate Works: First place (and Best of Show): Kristan N. Kessler, Elysburg; second place: Deandra M. Lupacckino, Reading; third place: Tiffany L. Williams; Tyrone.
• Cakes and Decorations: First place: Jessica L. Miller, Montoursville; second place: Callie L. Chalmers, Galeton; third place: Bernadine M. Welickovitch, Montoursville.
• Sugar Art: First place: Alyssa J. Giedroc, Howard; second place: Sarah D. Miller, Milton.

For more information about the academic programs offered by the School of Hospitality at Penn College, visit online or call (570) 327-4505.

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