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Pictured: Kevin Lindamood, Debi Devou and Greg Devou
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The annual Chocolate Affair wasn't just about chocolate.<br>
<br>
"We're placing more of an emphasis on Health Care for the Homeless," said Debi Devou, event committee member, who attended the event with her husband, Greg Devou, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield executive vice president and chief marketing officer.<br>
<br>
"It was always a fun event. But we wanted to focus on the mission," said Jack Elsby, event committee member.<br>
<br>
In its previous incarnation, guests spent the evening at M&T Bank Stadium, sampling chocolate-y creations from dozens of local restaurants, caterers and food suppliers. This year, the sold-out event was held at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, where guests first enjoyed savory chocolate delights during the cocktail hour. Next, there was a seated chocolate-inspired dinner, and then dessert from food stations representing area vendors.<br>
<br>
"We're raising awareness and having a good time," said Cheryl Matricciani, event co-chair. Matricciani and co-chair Susan Frazier Johnson, watched as some 700 guests sampled hors d'oeuvres.<br>
<br>
"I'm a fan of bacon and chocolate. So, that's remarkable," said Kevin Lindamood, Health Care for the Homeless CEO/president, as he tasted a chocolate peanut butter pork belly from Richardson Farms.<br>
<br>
"RA Sushi's [sample] was really good," said Olga Cherches, Leading Edge Solutions president.<br>
<br>
"I liked what Patchwork Catering had. You can't explain what the ingredients were. But, it was good," said her husband, Dmitry Cherches, Mind Over Machines chief technology officer.<br>
<br>
Shirley Bigley LaMotte, board member, who attended the benefit with her husband, Larry LaMotte, Immune Deficiency Foundation vice president, took the diplomatic route.<br>
<br>
"Everything is too wonderful to even choose [a favorite]," she said.<br>
<br>
Meanwhile, Barbara Blount Armstrong, Morgan State University corporations and foundations officer, stated her mission for the evening: "I'm going to drown in chocolate tonight."<br>
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-- Sloane Brown<br>
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• <B>Also see:</B> <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/bal-chocolate-affair-pictures,0,5129621.photogallery">More photos from the 2012 Chocolate Affair</a>

Scene and Heard: Health Care for the Homeless' Chocolate Affair

( Photo by Karen Jackson, Special to The Baltimore Sun / February 2, 2012 )

Pictured: Kevin Lindamood, Debi Devou and Greg Devou

The annual Chocolate Affair wasn't just about chocolate.

"We're placing more of an emphasis on Health Care for the Homeless," said Debi Devou, event committee member, who attended the event with her husband, Greg Devou, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

"It was always a fun event. But we wanted to focus on the mission," said Jack Elsby, event committee member.

In its previous incarnation, guests spent the evening at M&T Bank Stadium, sampling chocolate-y creations from dozens of local restaurants, caterers and food suppliers. This year, the sold-out event was held at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, where guests first enjoyed savory chocolate delights during the cocktail hour. Next, there was a seated chocolate-inspired dinner, and then dessert from food stations representing area vendors.

"We're raising awareness and having a good time," said Cheryl Matricciani, event co-chair. Matricciani and co-chair Susan Frazier Johnson, watched as some 700 guests sampled hors d'oeuvres.

"I'm a fan of bacon and chocolate. So, that's remarkable," said Kevin Lindamood, Health Care for the Homeless CEO/president, as he tasted a chocolate peanut butter pork belly from Richardson Farms.

"RA Sushi's [sample] was really good," said Olga Cherches, Leading Edge Solutions president.

"I liked what Patchwork Catering had. You can't explain what the ingredients were. But, it was good," said her husband, Dmitry Cherches, Mind Over Machines chief technology officer.

Shirley Bigley LaMotte, board member, who attended the benefit with her husband, Larry LaMotte, Immune Deficiency Foundation vice president, took the diplomatic route.

"Everything is too wonderful to even choose [a favorite]," she said.

Meanwhile, Barbara Blount Armstrong, Morgan State University corporations and foundations officer, stated her mission for the evening: "I'm going to drown in chocolate tonight."

-- Sloane Brown

• Also see: More photos from the 2012 Chocolate Affair

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