The chocolate flowed as readily as the conversation in a scene that would have made Willy Wonka himself green with envy, at Vector Rehabilitation’s 25th annual Gala Chocolate Party held yesterday afternoon at the Wharfinger. If the cocoa-scented air wasn’t enough to entice attendees into the sweet paradise, the jazzy sounds of the Jim Lahman Blues Quartet lured them in with an extra spring in their step.

Burgundy red-clothed tables lining the room were spilling over with creatively themed baskets and generously donated items for the silent auction, such as the hand-made quilt out of chocolate-adorned fabric donated by long-time Vector supporter Cathy Ray Pierson of Pierson Pottery; who noted a special appreciation, as an artist, for the way Vector helps people improve the use of their hands. Enjoying the chocolate scene with Cathy was Anita Rest, who was donning one of the 5,000
donated hats that are currently on sale at the Morris Graves Museum.

Other auction items included a beautiful framed watercolor by local artist Julia Bednar, gorgeous necklaces, pendants and earrings donated by Holly Yashi, Kimberly Lara, Susan Schlosser and Trace Gallbraith; as well as a Benbow Inn golf getaway- a live auction donation valued at more than $200.
Sampling one of the candy heart-strewn tables filled with donated and hand-made chocolates were Jan and Travie Westlund of Eureka, who especially praised the Viennese Chocolate Hazelnut Torte by Ramone’s Bakery and the Cayan-Cranberry Bark donated by the Northcoast Co-op.

Jane Deltaan of Fortuna was enjoying the beautiful spread of gourmet food, generously donated by Cassaro’s Sisters Catering, Two Mom’s Party Planning, and Vector’s own Ed Cordova- who, with a background in the food industry, is often the first in line to volunteer at such an event.

Putting the finishing touches on one of the four cakes in the cake contest, was Debra DeJager of Trinidad. A nurse by trade, she was a true Cake Artist Extraordinaire that day; her beautiful four-tiered chocolate cake adorned with fresh orchids won “Most Creative Use of Chocolate” and her double-heart chocolate cake topped with cherries took home the prize for “Romantic Theme.”

Proudly showing off their smart vintage frocks and looking as if they had just stepped out of a different era, were Lora Jabot, owner of Jabot’s Boutique, a vintage clothing store, and her friend Rhonda Mitchell.

Vector Board member and past president Ceva King, her daughter Ceva Courtemanche and friend Cindy McWhorter were responsible for the beautiful decorations, but it was Vector’s praises that Ceva King wanted to sing about most.

Regardless of insurance or financial situation, and being the only such organization of its kind in the area from here to San Francisco, “Vector doesn’t turn anybody away,” she explained. As for her more than 26 years volunteering and fund-raising for the organization, Ceva says, “Its nice to find something you have a passion for.”

Speaking of passion; sipping champagne and looking like they were possessing a secret they could barely contain were Stylist Linden Tyler Glavich of Eureka and his future wife, HSU grad student Brittaini Graham. “He just proposed to me!” Graham excitedly shared. Her first time there, Brittaini said, “I’ve always wanted to come to this,” Now, she’ll surely never forget it.

It wasn’t simply the purportedly “amorous properties” of chocolate who brought out couples of all ages to the event. Eureka resident Amber McRostie was surveying the silent auction table with her date Matthew Casagrande. Amber was the proud winner of tickets to the event by her employer
George Peterson Insurance, but, she said, “I’m really here to support a good cause.”

Patrick Brown, Vector’s long-time employee of 22 and a half years agreed, “Without the community helping Vector, Vector cannot help the community.” Everyone in attendance surely agreed that the worthwhile organization that was being supported, was the true icing on the chocolate cake.

(About Town provides lively coverage of Humboldt County’s social events, style, galas, charity events, hot property, restaurants and other happenings about town. Opinions expressed in columns do not necessarily represent the views of The Eureka Reporter or its staff.)