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Photo by John Henry

Jane Blocher, far right helps her 9-year-old neighbor Mckenzie Brungardt pick out chocolates while Michael and Jennifer Nicolotti line up for a confection on the next table over at the Chocolate and Tea Benefit for the Lawrence Community Shelter.

Opportunities to eat loads of chocolate guilt-free don't come along too often, but nearly 200 people had one Sunday during the seventh annual "Chocolate and Tea at Three" event.

The benefit for the Lawrence Community Shelter, 214 W. 10th St., included live and silent auctions and took place in the Naismith Room at SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Riverfront Plaza.

"It's a fun way to raise funds and a great excuse for people to enjoy chocolate and tea in a beautiful setting," said Rachel Schmidt, one of the event's organizers.

Local merchants and individuals provided items for the auctions, as well as a selection of gourmet chocolate delights: cakes, cookies, fudge brownies and a spread of diabetic-friendly treats.

It was the first formal tea-party for Mckenzie Brungard, 9, who had been invited by her neighbor Jane Blocher, a Red Cross director.

They both love chocolate and have a passion for helping people less fortunate than themselves.

"She organized a lemonade stand to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina," Blocher said. "She wanted to know more about the shelter and how she could help. She's excited to be here."

Free State High School's chamber orchestra provided music, and students of the school's Key Club provided table service for guests.

Loring Henderson, the shelter's director, talked about various new developments, including the "Good Dog! Biscuits and Treats" project that employs homeless and low-income individuals.

"Programs like these provide training, skills and hope for a better future for those experiencing homelessness," Henderson said.

He paid tribute to all who continued to support the shelter's work, especially folks like Mary and Mike Easterday, who were presented with the Don Huggins LCS Volunteer of the Year Award.

"We volunteered the night it opened in St. John's School gymnasium in 2001, and we've helped ever since," Mary Easterday said.

Shelter guest David Scott, 50, said he hoped to follow the path of other shelter guests who now have permanent jobs and homes. He works in the kitchen to earn credits to secure one of the shelter's 31 beds and said he's grateful to staff and volunteers.

"They're like family," he said. "I hope we get enough money for a bigger place so we won't have to turn people away."

Scott paused, then added, "I've been sober for 28 days now, and Sally (Bartlett) is helping me get medication and a job sorted out."

Stories like this inspire Anne Bracker to keep volunteering at the shelter.

"Homelessness will probably never go away because it's such a complex, multifaceted issue, but we can certainly help those who can't help themselves. We can offer compassion, care and basic human needs of shelter, food and clothing as guests try to get on their feet again," she said.