January’s Cocoa Charity Clash: Sip & Support a Laramie Non-Profit

Think you've got the best hot chocolate recipe around? Here's your chance to prove it. On Saturday, January 27, at 1 p.m., Laramie's Historic Railroad Depot hosts an epic cocoa clash for charity!

Hot Cocoa Contest Presented by Peace of Mind

The second annual Hot Cocoa Contest raises money for a newer non-profit in Laramie, Peace of Mind. The non-profit seeks to "embolden individuals with disabilities and acquired brain injuries to challenge barriers and create the life they have imagined," says Michelle Cook, one of the masterminds behind the cocoa contest.

This year's contest takes place on International Hot Cocoa Day (is there a better day to host a cocoa contest? I think not!) "We had so much fun doing this fundraiser last year that we decided to make it annual! We had a small group of contestants last year and hope to grow this year!" said Michelle.

Event Details:

If you've got the perfect cocoa recipe in mind and want to duke it out with fellow cocoa connoisseurs, here's how to sign up for the contest:

Enter the Contest: Register by emailing peaceofmind.ddwaiversvcs@gmail.com or by calling 307-223-6966. There is a $10 contest entree fee.

Attend & Taste Test at the Event: The community is welcome to attend and VOTE for their favorite recipe. The entree is $10 for adults, and kids five and under are free.

Prizes: $250 for the Judge's Choice Winner; $100 for the People's Choice Winner.

About Peace of Mind

Peace of Mind provides services to disabled individuals designed to help them overcome challenges and achieve the life of their dreams. The non-profit focuses on building an inclusive community through its services and resources.

"Our services are provided through the Medicaid Developmental Disabilities waiver in participants' homes and communities," explains Michelle. "We currently support 25 children and adults in Albany County through a wide variety of services. Our organization was started in 2021 and continues to expand in services provided and number of participants supported."

How is Peace of Mind different from other DD Waiver providers? How is it more accessible?

"What sets us apart from other DD waiver providers is our commitment to making opportunities possible for participants. In order to provide support for events and vacations, most providers require participants to pay for all employee costs, including room and board, transportation, and tickets to events. At Peace of Mind, we work diligently to keep organizational costs to a minimum in order to cover employee costs. There is no greater feeling than seeing the joy on someone’s face as they reach their dreams by attending their first NFL game, first concert, or first vacation."

The Hot Cocoa Contest helps raise funds to make those dreams a reality. So, grab your chef's hat and roll up those sleeves...it's cocoa-making time!