Jennifer Agran of West Windsor wanted to plan a family-friendly event in October for a Hadassah fundraiser. Vice president of fundraising for the Princeton Tikvat Ha’Atid chapter based in the greater Princeton area, Agran is serving for the first time in this role. “I decided to get more involved since Hadassah lost so much money in the Bernie Madoff scandal,” she says.
When she was driving on Edinburg Road she noticed the signs for chocolate tastings and samples at the David Bradley Chocolatier in Windsor. Willy Wonka came to mind and the benefit afternoon was born. “I thought this would be a fantastic event for everyone,” she says. “Who doesn’t love chocolate?”
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder in the lead role, is one of Agran’s favorite films. Wonka, a longtime recluse in his candy factory, offers a tour to five lucky people who find one of the five golden tickets inside a chocolate bar.
David Bradley Chocolatier, operating since 29002, was founded in 1978 as Sophisticated Chocolates. The company is run by David, Bradley, and Christine Hicks, siblings who participated in all aspects of the business while growing up. Agran spoke with David and Bradley, both West Windsor residents, and they agreed on the plan for family-friendly tours and samples. “They have never opened their doors to the behind scenes for the public before,” she says.
The 20-minute tour includes the history of chocolate and how chocolate is made. Children will also have the opportunity to dip pretzel sticks into warm chocolate and sprinkles. “It will be amazing,” says Agran. “It has never been done before.”
Hadassah Wonka Bars of chocolate will also be for sale — with a twist. Three of those bars will contain a golden ticket to win a big basket filled with chocolate. Another contest will have people trying to figure out how many M&Ms are in a big jar. So far the secret is still safe with Agran and her husband, Steven Agran.
Agran runs her own recruiting agency, Addition Management, based in New York City. Born and raised in Dix Hills, Long Island, she graduated from Penn State with a degree in communications and received her MBA from Baruch College with a major in human resource management. A New York City resident for 12 years, she opened the company in 2003.
She met her husband in the Hamptons and they will celebrate their 10th anniversary in November. Steven, a turn around crisis management consultant for 10 years, works with companies in distress. Their children are Brandon, 7, a student at Dutch Neck School; and Jessica, 4, a student at Beth Chaim Preschool.
The couple researched a move to New Jersey through lists of top schools, easy commutes, a train station, and the value of a dollar. “It was a very well thought-out decision,” she says. The family moved to West Windsor four years ago — not knowing one person in town. His parents live in Scotch Plains. Agran has now met many people through being an active member of Hadassah in four committees and PTA.
Hadassah, one of the largest women’s volunteer organizations, is a leading donats to stem cell and breast cancer research. The proceeds from this benefit will be going to cancer and genetic research projects. New members are always welcome to Hadassah. Annual dues, lowered through December 31, are now $25; and lifetime membership is $250.
Organizers are hoping that people realize that dark chocolate is now one of the top 25 healthy foods, filled with flavonoid antioxidants that keep blood platelets from sticking together, may unclog your arteries, and help with weight loss. Keep yourself healthy by eating chocolate while raising money for a good cause.
Golden Ticket Chocolate Factory Tour, Hadassah Princeton Chapter, David Bradley, 92 North Main Street, Windsor. Sunday, October 25, 2 to 5 p.m. Willy Wonka family afternoon including tours every 20 minutes. Find one of the three golden tickets for a prize. Benefit for cancer and genetic research projects. Register. $20 per family. www.hadassahprinceton.org.
