From the moment I walked into the 16th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Fling at the Telluride Conference Center last Saturday evening, I was in awe at how amazing this community is and how much effort people put into a night on the town, especially when it’s for a good cause. As one of the best parties of the year, by far, it’s a must-attend if you happen to be around the first week-or-so of February. For those unfamiliar, the Chocolate Lovers’ Fling is a benefit for the San Miguel Resource Center, the region’s organization dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. The event is SMRC’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Now you might be wondering, what makes it such a great shindig? Well, there’s a feast of chocolate (hence the name) prepared by local and professional chefs; a kickin’ silent auction (a vacation at a villa in Tuscany was on the docket this year); cash prizes; and music provided by the legendary DJ Harry so one can burn off the hard-core chocolate consumption. It’s also a theme-inspired, costume event, which translated to Heroes & Villains this year. I must admit, I had the best intentions toward finding a good villain costume (more fun to be bad, don’t you think), so I was a tad disappointed in myself when there I was, donned in my witch’s hat (borrowed from a friend), black pants, black shirt and black sweater. Pretty pathetic, to say the least, but when it came down to getting my act together, it was all I could muster (somehow time just vanishes these days). Yet the good thing was that my lameness spurred even more enthusiasm for everyone else’s attire. Among my favorites were several superheroes (Wonder Woman, Super Man, Clark Kent), some James Bonds, a friend of mine dressed as his dad, Carmen Sandiego, even Cruella Deville and her Dalmatians. But the best were two guys in tutus -- one black, one white -- dressed as ballerinas from the hit movie Black Swan. Every time I saw them fluttering around the venue I couldn’t help but bust out laughing. So contemporary, so creative, so hilarious. (I actually heard they won something so apparently I wasn’t alone in my opinions.) Despite my low-budget costume, I was pleased I came early enough for the chocolate. In years past, I’ve arrived at many a Fling much too late (perhaps because I spent more time on my costume) and missed all the indulging. But not this year. Even with the gondola shutting down briefly because of inclement weather, I made it there in time to sample more than my fair share. And wow, was there was some good stuff...chocolate sushi, mini waffle cones with ice cream, cherry chocolate cupcakes…it was gluttonous. DJ Harry was awesome, as usual, spinning tunes and attracting a full dance floor, but unfortunately, my dancing was interrupted by a serious sugar crash and before the clock struck 10, I was on the gondola heading home. Next year I’ll not only aim for the better costume, I’ll try to balance the chocolate eating with the boogeying. Boy, the pressure to try and do it all.