Attention chocolate lovers: eat chocolate and help others

Hand-dipped chocolates from Bargello Bakery and Confections

Chocolate lovers in Seattle will have the opportunity to learn about and taste the world of chocolate while supporting a non-profit that helps disabled individuals through equine therapy.

The event, Around the World in Chocolate, will be held from 7 pm to 9 pm on November 29, 2011 at the Chocolate Man Store, located at Lake Forest Park Towne Center, 17171 Bothell Way NE, suite A016B on the upper level.

Tickets are $10 at Brown Paper Tickets. Fifty percent of the ticket sales and ten percent of the profits from all products sold that evening will be donated to Little Bit.

Around the World in Chocolate is an event to benefit Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center and is sponsored by Bargello Bakery and Confections and Bill Fredericks, the Chocolate Man.

The event will include an educational program discussing where chocolate comes from and how it is made. There will also be demonstrations and chocolate tasting along with an opportunity to purchase holiday gifts.

“It is great for Little Bit to have event opportunities such as Around the World with Chocolates to educate and teach people about the services and benefits of therapeutic horseback riding,” said Events and Partnership Manager Colleen Shelby. “The energy that is created is amazing when two communities come together, and we are so grateful to Wendy and Bill for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful event.”

Photo courtesy Little Bit Therapeutic Center

Little Bit Therapeutic Center, located in Woodinville, helps children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy. Founded in 1976, Little Bit has become one of the largest full-time therapeutic horseback riding programs in the nation.

Bill Fredricks
The Chocolate Man

Known as the Chocolate Man, Bill Fredricks is the owner and operator of Chocolate Man, a chocolate supply business, for the last 21 years. He is an internationally trained chocolate chef and past corporate chef for Choc Elan, LLC. Bill has been instructing, consulting, and a private chef for 15 years. 

Fredericks has been acclaimed as one of the chocolatiers in the Seattle area who are pushing the envelope by Seattle Homes and Lifestyle magazine (December 2004). Fredericks is a member of American Association of Candy Technologists, International Association of Culinary Professionals, Fine Chocolate Industry Association, and President of the Northwest Chocolatiers Guild. He is currently on staff at Blue Ribbon Cooking School, South Seattle Community College, and North Seattle Community College.

Handmade chocolates at Bargello's

Wendy Tinker, Fredericks’ friend and neighbor, is owner of Bargello Bakery and Confections. She met Fredricks when she discovered he was the local distributor for Guittard Chocolate, and he was just down the block. She is excited about sponsoring an event that combines her two loves: horses and chocolate.

“As a lifetime horse owner, I loved the idea of helping Little Bit. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at Little Bit and absolutely believe in the benefits of equine therapy and the wonderful staff and volunteers that help the riders,” Tinker said. “Around the World in Chocolate is a great combination of two things that everyone loves to do: eat chocolate and help others. Bargello Bakery and Confections is proud to be involved and give away part of what we earn to Little Bit.”

The collaboration among Little Bit, Fredericks, and Tinker has been delicious from the beginning.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Wendy in this event,” Shelby said. “Around the World in Chocolate is a great way for people to enjoy and appreciate the Wendy’s talents and for Little Bit to spread awareness of the life changing opportunities that take place here every day.”

Bargello Bakery and Confections was molded in 2011 by owner and head-baker Wendy Tinker. She specializes in ‘hand-dipped, homemade chocolates’ and gourmet caramels that are ‘simply a taste of home.’ Dished out of her home-kitchen in Shoreline, Washington, Tinker personally makes and guarantees every batch of her decadent treats.