News Summary
Ethel M Chocolates has donated $30,000 to Two nonprofits, Three Square and HELP of Southern Nevada, from entrance fees collected during holiday events. This contribution supports the organizations’ efforts to combat homelessness and serve the community. Ethel M Chocolates plans to host its 32nd annual Holiday Cactus Garden event, enhancing community engagement and support.
Las Vegas – Ethel M Chocolates has made a significant contribution to the local community by donating $30,000 to two nonprofit organizations in the Las Vegas area, specifically Three Square and HELP of Southern Nevada. This donation was formally accepted on Monday during a special presentation held at the Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store and Botanical Cactus Garden.
The funds that made this donation possible were raised through entrance fees collected from visitors attending the Holiday Cactus Garden Lights events during the months of November and December, as well as the Lights of Love Valentine’s Cactus Garden event held in February. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an entrance fee has been implemented for these popular events, with all proceeds being equally divided between the two partnering nonprofits.
Fuilala Riley, CEO and president of HELP of Southern Nevada, has expressed gratitude for the community’s continued support in their mission aimed at eradicating homelessness. This contribution from Ethel M Chocolates plays a vital role in helping the organization provide necessary services and support to those in need.
Looking ahead, Ethel M Chocolates is set to kick off its 32nd annual Holiday Cactus Garden event, which will begin in the first week of November. The Holiday Cactus Garden Lights event has a rich history, having been celebrated for over 31 years and renowned for its impressive decorative lights and community plant donations.
A recent addition to the Holiday Cactus Garden Lights event is a nominal $3 entrance fee, which contributes directly to community support and the funding of local initiatives. This change reflects Ethel M Chocolates’ ongoing commitment to giving back to the community and providing better experiences for visitors.
Ethel M Chocolates was founded by Forrest Mars, who originally moved to Las Vegas with the intention of retiring. However, he soon found inspiration to establish a new chocolate brand that made a name for itself with unique liqueur-filled chocolates. The chocolate factory officially opened its doors in 1981, with a focus on creating chocolates using traditional recipes and small-batch production methods, avoiding preservatives for an authentic taste.
Forrest Mars had a deep passion for gardening, which led to the creation of the Botanical Cactus Garden, where over 300 varieties of cacti are cultivated. The roots of the holiday lights event can be traced back to a simple Christmas tree placed in front of the factory. Over the years, this simple decor evolved into a grand display, transforming the garden’s cacti into a beautifully lit holiday wonderland.
The Botanical Cactus Garden continues to flourish thanks to ongoing community support through plant donations. The decorative approach has also evolved, moving away from traditional blow-up decorations to more durable floodlights, creating an enchanting atmosphere for visitors.
Throughout its history, Ethel M Chocolates has prioritized community engagement and support through various initiatives, and their holiday garden events exemplify this commitment. As the company prepares for another festive season, it remains a beloved staple in the Las Vegas community, further strengthening its ties to local nonprofits and contributing to the overall well-being of the area.
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Additional Resources
- News 3 LV
- Wikipedia: Ethel M Chocolates
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Google Search: Ethel M Chocolates
- GMToday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chocolate
- PR Newswire
- Google News: Ethel M Chocolates
