Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts 17th Annual Chocolate, Champagne and Chefs
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties hosted its 17th Annual Chocolate, Champagne and Chefs event on Monday, Oct. 27 at the Quail Valley River Club in Vero Beach.
A sold-out crowd of youth advocates enjoyed the popular annual event in support of BBBS’ one-to-one mentoring programs. These programs are free for all participants, making fundraisers like CCC crucial to maintaining a community that offers every opportunity for our youth to achieve their full potential.
The elegant evening began with champagne and hors d'oeuvres followed by a seated dinner with the vibrant Anna Valencia Tillery guiding the event as emcee. Guests applauded Guest Speaker and Indian River State College Associate Vice President of Government and Community Relations Andrew Treadwell as he shared his journey as a Big Brother to Travis, who is now a deputy with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
“You are helping the next Andy find the next Travis by being here tonight,” Treadwell said during his moving speech.
Attendees then enjoyed a delicious display of decadent chocolate desserts created by five local chefs before Auctioneer John Moore led an entertaining live auction. The event’s talented chefs included Paty Benjamin, owner of Paty’s Bakery; D's Gourmet Sweet Potato Pies & More Owner Delitra Harrigan; Quail Valley River Club Chef Jesus Yanez; Pretty Little Cupcakes Owner Monique Robbins; and Treasure Coast Sweets Owner Samantha Santana Tiru.
The 2025 CCC event planning committee included Deborah Chastain, Debbie Hawley, Rebecca Littleton, Connell Osteen-Peirce, Jayne Johnson-Platts, Dr. Christine Ryall, Chandler MacWilliam-Sexton, Anna Valencia Tillery, Megan Osteen-Todd and Stacey Young.
Event sponsors included Heavenly Chocolate Sponsor The Walter S. Borisenok Family Foundation; Decadent Chocolate Sponsors Linda and Mel Teetz, MusicWorks Concerts, and The Curley Foundation; Delightful Champagne Sponsors Dave and Bonnie Wilson, Dean, Mead, Minton & Moore, George E. Warren LLC, Jean Kelly, Helen Taylor Robertson and Walmart; Delectable Chocolate Sponsors Cindy O'Dare, East Coast Lumber & Supply Co., and The Hardee Family Foundation; and Sweet Chocolate Sponsors Dale Sorenson Real Estate, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bingleman, and Roger Smith.
Speciality sponsors included Floral Sponsor Alex MacWilliam Real Estate, Radio Sponsor Karen Franke and Treasure and Space Coast Radio, Favor Sponsor Kilwins of Vero Beach, and Balloon Sponsor Parties Picture Perfect.
"Once again, Chocolate, Champagne and Chefs was a stunning success,” said Debbie Hawley, BBBS chief executive officer. “We are so grateful to our many loyal patrons and sponsors who support BBBS year after year at this premier event. Their financial generosity enables us to continue providing impactful one-to-one mentoring services that help prepare the students we serve for the future. Thank you from the entire BBBS family!”
The 18th Annual CCC event will take place in October of 2026.
Visit bbbsbigs.org or call 772-466-8535 for more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties. “Like” BBBS on Facebook and follow on Instagram @bbbsbigs.
