People 'beating down the doors' to get into chocolate fund-raiser

During the fifth-annual Feast of Chocolate fund-raiser for the American Association of University Women at the State Library and Archives Saturday, 7-year-old Austin Lucas was enchanted.

"This is our funnest day we've ever had so far," he said, reaching for another treat. His brother, Anthony, had too much chocolate in his mouth to talk but displayed his age with five chocolaty fingers.

The event was a success, said association branch president Flo Bedrosian.

"We are just overwhelmed. We had people here at a quarter to 11 beating down the doors to get in."

The event is the group's largest fund-raiser. Most of the money will go toward scholarships for local women.

"In the past we have made about $1,500 but we're on track to make $2,000 this year," Bedrosian said.

The American Association of University Women was founded in 1881 to promote education and equality for women. There are now more than 150,000 members across the nation - 600 in Nevada alone.

Shirley Hammon has been a member since 1969.

"Whether a woman is working on her doctorate or going through a career change - we're here to help," she said.

Stacie Suchsland joined the group last fall.

"I got a lot of scholarship help in school so it feels good to give back and help others," she said. At 22, she is working as a mathematician for International Gaming Technology.

Women who were awarded scholarships by the association last year were Cynda Valez of Carson High School who got $1,000; Laura Colwell-Howard of Pioneer High School who got $250 and Maria Ortega of Western Nevada Community College who got $1,000.

"We used to only give awards to Carson High School students but we've expanded," Bedrosian said. "We really want to increase the Pioneer High School scholarship but that will depend on what we raise today."

Several members of the Capital Red Hatters were in attendance.

"This is a wonderful event - it's perfect for our group," said the group's leader Queen Bee Holly Van Valkenburgh.

"We enjoy having fun and eating good food," said the group's "Royal Cruiser," Isabel Espinoza.

Playing harp at the feast was Wanda Perschnick of South Lake Tahoe.

Several area businesses donated to the event, including: The Grocery Outlet; The Carson Nugget; Villa Basque Deli; David Walley's; Albertsons south; Adele's; City Cafe Bakery; Grandma Hattie's and The Candy Bar.

"The businesses that donated have done a wonderful job," Hammon said.

There are 35 members of Carson City's Capital Branch of the America Association of University Women. They will be hosting a state convention at the Pinon Plaza at the end of April. For information on the group, which is also open to men, go to www.aaua.org.

Contact Karl Horeis at khoreis@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.