The 35th Annual Chocolate Ball Comes to the Small Screen on May 10th, 2021

The event, which support epilepsy services, will be broadcasted on 13WHAM ABC

Rochester, NY – March 22, 2021 Empowering People’s Independence (EPI) will host a reimagined 30-minute Chocolate Ball program on Monday, May 10th, 2021 at 7:30pm on 13WHAM ABC. The event will raise funds in support of epilepsy services including the only week-long camp for children with epilepsy in New York State.

The Chocolate Ball, EPI’s signature gala, is traditionally held in February. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization had to break with traditions this year. Unable to safely hold an in-person gala, the event is moving to the small screen. The televised event will retain some of the key features, including a cake competition among the most talented local chefs, that has made it a favorite of the Rochester community.

Viewers will be able to vote among three chocolate cakes created by last year’s Competition Winners:

This year’s cakes will be inspired by EPI’s two summer camp programs, Camp EAGR and Camp COAST. The televised event will also feature cake decorating, interviews with campers, insight from the UR Medicine Epilepsy Clinic and feedback from families who have benefitted from EPI’s epilepsy programs and services. Matt Molloy, 13WHAM News and Good Day Rochester Anchor, will host the event along with the Event Chair, Dresden Engle, Dresden Public Relations Founder and Executive Director. Engle has been a long-time supporter of EPI. Dresden’s daughter has attended EPI Summer Camp.

Community members can support the event by ordering delicious Chocolate Ball Boxes and Baskets at
www.chocolateball2021.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. EPI serves more than 6,000 children and adults who suffer from epilepsy and seizure disorders. More than 70 children, age 6 to 18, attend EPI’s Camp EAGR. The camp is held in August at the YMCA Camp Weona in Wyoming County, New
York. The camp, open to children who suffer from epilepsy and their siblings, has an on-site 24-hour medical team of neurologists and nurse practitioners.

EPI provides progressive, tailored care solutions to people with developmental disabilities, epilepsy, and brain injury. Headquartered in Rochester, NY and with offices in Syracuse and Binghamton, EPI provides comprehensive services in the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Western and Central New York regions. EPI’s offerings include Self-Direction, Day and Community Habilitation, residential services, respite, and Health Homes. EPI also offers the only week-long camp for children and young adults with epilepsy in New York State.