Chocolate Crawl promises sweet shopping deals, all for a good cause

Pokemon GO, kindness rocks, shopping deals and, of course, chocolate: It’s all been a part of a Valentine’s Day celebration in Lee’s Summit for years.

This year will be no exception for Lee’s Summit resident Liesl Hayes. The sweet tooth is once again coming to town.

Welcome to the ninth annual Chocolate Crawl for a Cause in downtown Lee’s Summit.

“It’s the perfect combination of a philanthropic community event coupled with the charm of shopping locally in downtown Lee’s Summit,” said Hayes, 37, owner of the Historic Browning Inn.

“Our family loves supporting local entrepreneurs and community organizations.“

The Feb. 1 event will run from noon to 2 p.m. along Main Street. There is no charge for the event.

Organizers instead are asking participants to donate either non-perishable food or a monetary amount of their own choosing. All donations will go to Lee’s Summit Social Services.

Upon check in at the Local Foundery store, attendees will receive a red necklace that will provide them access to various store specials. In addition, each will receive three chocolate bars while supplies last.

“I think the Chocolate Crawl focusing on collecting for local non-profits is how Lee’s Summit continues to show their character and continues to differentiate themselves as a community of care,” said Matt Fanning, executive director of Social Services.

“We are so very fortunate that so many area leaders are focused on helping the under-served.“

Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, which organizes regular events to promote the community in conjunction with owners of Local Foundery, will once again co-sponsor the event.

The Main Street organization first started the Chocolate Crawl eight years ago with the goal originally of promoting downtown shopping with various specials. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the group came up with the chocolate theme.

But in recent years, planners decided to include it as a charitable event.

“Why not chocolate? Who doesn’t love chocolate? I’m a chocoholic,” said Julie Cook, event organizer.

Thirty-eight vendors will open their doors to offer specials, from tax-free shopping to 10% off orders. Drink specials, such as chocolate martinis, will be offered.

For the Hayes family, Pokemon and kindness rocks randomly distributed throughout the downtown are extra bonuses for 10-year-old Ethan and 11-year-old Matty.

“Each store has their own specials, incredible treats and unique items. I never leave without several shopping bags and feeling great about supporting our incredible community,” Hayes said.

Main Street’s Cook suspects as many as 600 to participate, and they’ll be wearing official red necklaces handed out at check-in.

Since the event first began eight years ago, the Chocolate Crawl has raised $4,000 and 8,000 pounds of food for the Social Services organization.

“The non-perishable food and money donations will go a long way for folks in need of services,” said Ben Wine, co-owner of the Foundery.

“It is also a good day for the shoppers to get out and explore retailers and restaurants they may not frequent. It’s a good feeling to open our doors in a community that cares so much about its residents.”