Published: August 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Leslie Provence
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Chocolate Soiree turned 10. And this event, benefiting the Children’s Museum of the Upstate, had 10 times the fun, and, it seemed, 10 times the chocolate. There were so many fabulous chocolate selections from participating Upstate restaurants, they hardly all fit into the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency. The judges had a hard time deciding which decadent dessert would win their votes as the best of the evening. There was also a “People’s Choice” award this year.

With the live auction, there was a chance for 20 to play football on the Clemson Tigers field, complete with sports photography, or a chance to attend New York Fashion Week. If the bidding and chocolate weren’t enough, there was also dancing and the Golden Ticket drawing with a chance to win even more prizes.

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate has been open almost a year now and has welcomed over 73,000 visitors. The museum is committed to serving the needs and interests of all children by providing experiences that stimulate curiosity, stir the imagination and develop a lifelong love of learning. It is a place of possibility, nurturing the future leaders, dreamers, scientists, artists, teachers and helpers from around the region.