Thank You!
Thank you for helping us make the 40th Anniversary Chocolate Ball a “Roaring Good Time!” It’s going to be the bee’s knees and we simply could not do it without your generosity and support.
How You Can Help
We can use your assistance in three key areas:
- Host a Table: Host a table of ten and invite new guests to experience this delectable event! Chocolate cake, champagne, prohibition-era giggle juice and a nifty 1920’s jazz band… it’s the cat’s pajamas! Purchase a table online here.
- Become a Sponsor: Roll VIP-style as a Big Cheese event sponsor! Seats for guests, exposure on marketing platforms and recognition at the event. More about sponsorship here.
- Make a Lead Cash Call Gift: Commit to a gift of $2,500 or more to help ensure lively participation (peer pressure?) during the cash call. With your help, it’ll be aces! Please contact Jill Johnson to make arrangements at (310) 995-6810 or jejohnson@epiny.org.
About EPI & Epilepsy Services
Many people know the Chocolate Ball, but are not as familiar with EPI and its Epilepsy Services. Here is some information that you might find helpful while chatting to people about the event.
About EPI
- Who do we support?
EPI supports thousands of children and adults with epilepsy and seizure disorders, traumatic brain injury, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. - How was EPI started?
EPI was started by a group of parents who were unable to find adequate support for family members. - Epilepsy Services
In 2013, People Rebuilding And Living in Dignity (PRALID) merged with the Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton to form Epilepsy-Pralid, Inc. and added epilepsy support to service options. - Residential Services
In addition to its Epilepsy Services (outlined below), EPI has 15 residences in Monroe, Wayne, and Broome Counties. Sites include suburban houses and apartments, and offer a range of support services, based on each person’s needs. - Habilitation Programs
EPI offers two types of habilitation services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These programs are tailored to individual needs and are designed to foster socialization, self-help, and adaptive skills necessary to live successfully in the community. Read more about Community Habilitation and Day Habilitation. - Respite Programs
Respite care is an essential support for individuals and families managing intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. It can become overwhelming for both people supported as well as caregivers. In-Home Respite, After School Respite and Recreation Respite provide family members with security and peace of mind knowing that their loved one will be safe, supported, and well cared for. - Self-Direction Program
The Self-Direction Program allows people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families to choose and manage their own budgets and services, selecting specific activities and supports that best fit that person’s unique needs. - EPI Today
Today, with more than 1,400 employees and offices in Rochester, Syracuse, and Binghamton, EPI is positioned to support individuals and families from Buffalo to Syracuse and down to the Pennsylvania border.
About EPI’s Epilepsy Services
- Camp EAGR
Due to the unpredictable nature of seizures, many children with epilepsy miss out on basic childhood experiences like slumber parties, team sports, and summer camp. Camp EAGR, held at the Sunshine Campus in Rush, NY, is the only overnight summer camp in NYS for children ages 8-17 with epilepsy and their siblings. With the 24/7 support from UR Medicine Epilepsy Center and Upstate University Hospital neurologists, kids are able to participate in activities they might not otherwise be able to do like swimming, rock wall climbing, archery, and horseback riding. Seizures happen, but the kids have the support they need to safely recover and get back to the business of just being kids! - Counselor in Training Program & Camp COAST
At Camp EAGR, life-long friendships are formed and campers are eager to continue the camp experience. Eligible Camp EAGR graduates may enroll in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program to encourage the next generation of kids to make the most of their Camp EAGR experience. Older campers with epilepsy and intellectual and developmental disabilities can graduate to our Camp COAST summer program where these young adults can continue their camp adventures. - Teen Weekends
Being a teen with epilepsy can be hard and may mean missing out on key adolescent rights of passage like dating, driving, or holding a job. Each year, EPI hosts two weekends specifically for teenagers ages 13-17 to help address questions around those topics, meet other teens with epilepsy, and find encouragement and support as they handle the challenges that come with their epilepsy diagnosis. - College Scholarship
Each year, EPI offers funding to put towards higher education to high school seniors with epilepsy or a seizure disorder. - Newly Diagnosed Programs
Receiving an epilepsy diagnosis can be scary, isolating, and very confusing. In 2023, in partnership with the UR Medicine Epilepsy Center and a seed grant from the Daisy Marques Jones Foundation, EPI launched a Pediatric Epilepsy Newly Diagnosed Program to help children and families understand and cope with a new epilepsy diagnosis. In 2026, EPI is poised to expand the pediatric program in Rochester, add an adult pilot program in Rochester, and launch a pediatric pilot program in partnership with SUNY Upstate Medical in Syracuse, NY. - Support Groups & More
EPI offers both in-person and virtual support groups where people with epilepsy as well as friends, family, and care providers can connect about the challenges epilepsy presents. Living with epilepsy can be unsettling and can become overwhelming. There are tough days, dark feelings and incredible frustration. Sometimes simply connecting with people in the same boat makes all the difference in the world.
About the Chocolate Ball
- History & Proceeds
Started in 1986, the Chocolate Ball celebrates the culinary talent of local bakers and pastry chefs while raising critical monies for EPI and its epilepsy services. Every dollar EPI needs for epilepsy services must be funded through individual and corporate philanthropy and the Chocolate Ball is our largest annual fundraising event. - Chocolate Cake Competition
Each year the committee selects a theme and invites bakers to compete in the signature chocolate cake competition by creating elaborate masterpieces inspired by that year’s theme. - Cake Sampling & People’s Choice Award
Upon arrival, guests are treated to a glass of champagne and have the opportunity to sample each cake, voting for their favorite cake before proceeding to dinner. The results of this voting informs the People’s Choice Award that is announced later in the evening. - Live Cake Auction
The highlight of the event is the live cake auction during which guests vie for the chance to take home one of the amazing cakes. The competition is fierce with cakes going for thousands of dollars! - Silent Auction, Cash Call, Diamond Jewelry Contest & Dancing
A robust silent auction, a cash call, the chance to win an exquisite diamond prize, and celebratory dancing round out a fully entertaining evening. Visit the Chocolate Ball Experience for more about what to expect! - Helpful Chocolate Ball Links
Sponsorship, Tables & Tickets
About Honorary Chair, Dan Meyers
Meet the 2026 Chefs
Meet the 2026 Judges
Cake Gallery
1920’s “Roaring Good Time” Theme
Chocolate Ball event homepage
Chocolate Ball Facebook Event to share
Additional Information
EPI is robust, multifaceted organization and it can take some time to understand. We hope the information here provides a baseline of understanding, though we fully appreciate that you may have additional questions to help create your own talk track about the agency, epilepsy and the Chocolate Ball. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or for additional information.
Chris Beato, cbeato@epiny.org
Jill Johnson, jejohnson@epiny.org