Contributed JUST DESSERTS –Patrons browse a sampling of chocolate-covered strawberries from Oglebay Park during Saturday’s Chocolate Extravaganza at Temple Shalom in Wheeling. The event, which featured treats from 15 different local businesses, raises money for programming and community outreach at the temple.

WHEELING — If you’ve noticed your sweet tooth beginning to ache recently, it may be calling you to one of the sweetest events of the year — the 34th annual Chocolate Extravaganza.

This year’s event is slated for 1-3 p.m. May 3 at Temple Shalom, 23 Bethany Pike, Wheeling. For the $20 admission price, attendees will receive a box to fill with sweet treats from 15 different chocolatiers from across the Wheeling area.

“Our Jewish values direct us to live our lives righteously and to model the value of hospitality,” said Rabbi Joshua Lief. “We are very excited and looking forward to welcoming friends and neighbors and strangers from across the community here to Temple Shalom.”

There will also be a cake raffle featuring more than 10 donated cakes. More than 30 door prizes also have been donated for the event.

Proceeds from the event help support the temple’s outreach and youth programs. Tickets can be purchased via https://wvtempleshalom.org/

or by calling the temple at 304-233-4870.

“The Chocolate Extravaganza is such a special event for Temple Shalom because it provides the outside community an opportunity to come into the Temple and share in an experience in such a carefree and fun way that would not be there without this event,” said Tricia Gilson, chairwoman of the event. “Continuing the Chocolate Extravaganza for years to come will provide more opportunities for community outreach as well as funding for our youth programs and is also a wonderful way to learn about and sample some delicious treats from local businesses and future culinary students in the area.”