Courtesy photo
From left, Rosalind De Aquino, Gloria Vuocolo, Kelly Scwarz and Mary Beth Heishman are winners of the “Create Chocolate, Create Hope” contest by Ethel M Chocolates.
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 | midnight
Rosalind De Aquino has always had a weakness for chocolate. So, even though she isn't the type to enter contests, she could not pass up the one Ethel M Chocolates held to created a limited edition chocolate collection.
What surprised the Las Vegas resident was the fact that her design won.
It is now one of four designs in "Create Chocolate, Create Hope," a collection benefiting Susan G. Komen For the Cure. Ten percent of the price of the chocolates will be donated to the group, and Ethel's will donate an additional $10,000 to Komen during its annual cactus lighting Nov. 19.
De Aquino, 46, who wrote an essay and submitted a design for the contest, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 after finding a lump in her breast while she was getting ready to take a shower.
During all of 2007, she fought to survive breast cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy.
De Aquino said she was touched that a company of that size would support the cause for finding a cure for breast cancer.
"I thought it was worth a try and would be part of the healing process," she said.
Ethel's received about 90 entries for the contest. It was a difficult choice, spokesman Steve Dekany said.
Once the four winners were chosen, chocolatier Jin Caldwell decided the types of chocolate and flavors to be used with each design.
The 24-piece collection is available at all 10 Ethel's locations in the Las Vegas Valley and can also be ordered online. Those wishing to give the collection as a gift for the holidays can order online until Dec. 23.
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