By Judy Halone-The Courier-Herald

Ninety guests got a sweet deal of a lifetime Saturday night when the Bonney Lake Lions Club presented its Death by Chocolate fundraiser at Cedar Ridge Retirement and Assisted Living.

The event brought in $2,500 for the service organization, whose charitable drives include its sight and hearing program and Bonney Lake Lions 4 Kids House.

Highlights of the evening included a gourmet dinner prepared and served by Bonney Lake High's culinary arts program; a silent auction featuring several chocolate desserts; and operatic performances by baritone John B. Cooper and tenor Robert McPherson.

“The event went wonderful,” Carol Wells-Reed said. “We sincerely appreciate the support of the community for the donations, and for our guests who came to the event.”

The three-hour evening started early in the day for Bonney Lake High culinary arts instructor Kahale Ahina and his students. The group used the same menu that earned it a second-place finish in the Boyd Coffee ProStart Invitational cooking competition March 8. The team's dinner included greens accented with raspberry vinaigrette and candied pine nuts; chicken Florentine with spinach, prosciutto and mushroom gravy; and garlic mashed potatoes with sautéed vegetables.

The students also created two baskets made of golden, spun sugar and filled with egg-shaped, handmade truffles.

Following dinner, Cooper and McPherson performed several selections. Their duet performance of “Nessun Dorma,” from Giacomo Pucchini's opera “Turnadot” brought a standing ovation.

The auction featured several chocolate desserts, with one cake fetching more than $200.

Co-organizer and emcee David Colbeth praised the guests and the culinary students for their enthusiasm and support.

“You have all been very generous,” he said.

Judy Halone can be reached at jhalone@courierherald .com.