Rhino's All-Ages Club: Chocolate Prom

What: Rhino's 3rd annual Chocolate Prom
Who: Chocolate Prom is a prom for everyone!
When: 8–11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6
Where: Rhino's All-Ages Club
Why: Chocolate Prom is a fund-raiser for Rhino's Youth Center.
All proceeds benefit Rhino's after-school programs.
How much: $8 per person or $15 per couple
More info: Part of the Week of Chocolate

A Chocolate Prom for everyone at Rhino's

By Abby Tonsing
From The Herald-Times (Section D, Page 1)
Originally published February 5, 2009

The scene at last year's Chocolate Prom.

Michael and Kathy Romy were just one happy couple who enjoyed last year's Chocolate Prom.

Busman's Holiday and David Britton will always cherish the memories of their Chocolate Prom night.

There's no reason to wait until the snow melts and spring flowers start blooming to attend a prom. And this week, there's no real reason to lament not attending a prom in one's high school days.

In conjunction with Week of Chocolate, Rhino's Youth Media Center and All-Ages Club is hosting Chocolate Prom: A Prom for Everyone 8–11 p.m. Friday.

With the dance now in its third year, Rhino's director Brad Wilhelm explained that Rhino's family-friendly Chocolate Prom is geared toward all ages, from little kids to grandparents.

"For me, and for those who work here, it's very nice to see families come in there and mingle," he said of the Chocolate Prom. Wilhelm explained that earlier in the evening, music set lists will be more tailored for family dancing. As the evening continues, the live music will get incrementally louder and more teen-oriented, he said.

Rhino's Chocolate Prom will feature musical performances by Rip Owczarski and the Morning Afters, the White Roberts, the Ladyquakes, and William IV.

And, of course, given the celebratory nature of this fundraising week, "tons" of chocolate treats will be available to indulge in, including a chocolate fountain, Wilhelm said.

Wilhelm was quick to give a verbal pat on the back to Options for Better Living, the social service agency that created the annual Week of Chocolate to assist with its fundraising efforts.

"Options basically had a fundraiser set (for themselves), and they decided to include other social service agencies into their event," he explained. "That's what makes it a remarkable thing. It shows the spirit of cooperation and community."

Wilhelm encourages Chocolate Prom attendees to dress up, if they want to. "I feel that people really like to get dressed up and come out to something," Wilhelm said. "It's a really fun thing to do."

Chocolate-themed costumes will be in the running for this year's best-dressed prizes.

Wilhelm recalled that one year, a young woman attended Rhino's Chocolate Prom dressed as a Hershey's Kiss. Wilhelm, himself, has been known to sport a chocolate-brown tuxedo. "Which is not my color, let's say," he joked.

Admission to the Chocolate Prom is $8 a person or $15 a couple. Couples, Wilhelm explained, will be defined "generously" at the door. Prom attendees can also get their pictures taken with their sweethearts at a photo booth for $5 a picture and then have [the photos] e-mailed to participants. Proceeds from the cover charge and photo booth benefit Rhino's.