Adding to a palette of delightful chocolate delicacies is the chance to bid on an impressive assortment of artwork at ClearWater Conservancy's sixth annual fundraising event.

ClearWater Conservancy's "For the Love of Art and Chocolate" is set for tomorrow from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, 1450 S. Atherton St.

With an array of chocolates and music by Jazza-Ma-Phone throughout the evening, the night begins with a silent auction of nature-inspired art, followed by merengue dance lessons and the drawing of door prizes.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, ClearWater Conservancy of Central Pennsylvania, consists of over 700 members who all work to promote land protection, watershed stewardship and environmental conservation.

"In essence, we're an environmental advocacy group and we work to push environmental issues," said Brooks Parker, office manager of ClearWater Conservancy.

One of ClearWater Conservancy's largest ongoing projects includes the I-99 acidic rock situation. Environmental concerns developed when road builders uncovered massive amounts of iron sulfide in the rocks.

Becoming sulfuric acid when exposed to air and water, acidic runoff poses the possible threat of water contamination.

This year's event hopes to surpass last year's $12,000 total by drawing 450 people for a collection of $15,000 to aid ClearWater's efforts, said Parker.

"We used this fundraised money to pay to send a staff representative to be involved in the I-99 acidic rock discussions. We don't necessarily have a grant. We would like to do more, but we can only do as much as we can raise, " Parker said.

Other activities include community meetings hosted by ClearWater to address environmental concerns and a conference featuring internationally known experts on acid rock, officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency. These are meant to raise community awareness on environmental issues, Parker said.

With over 40 local and nationally known artists donating paintings, photography, ceramics and woodworking, the event offers an opportunity for artists to lend their talents to the preservation of the environment.

"If there's a beautiful area that I know that's about to be developed, I take pictures and try to preserve it through my painting," said Jennifer Kane, a local artist.

"I'm interested in environmentalism, conservation and preservation. And I think it ties in well with the organization's theme," she added.

The local community has also responded, featuring desserts and chocolates and other delicacies from several local businesses.

"We are donating 350 mini desserts, all of which will be chocolate themes. There will be small chocolate cupcakes and crème de menthe bars, wonderful mint squares," said Cindy Hahn of Autoport Restaurant, 1405 S. Atherton St.

Echoing the opinions of other sponsors, the evening is a unique opportunity to give back to the community in a productive, positive and tasty way, said Kim Reitz of Cool Beans Coffee and Tea, 141 W. High St., in Bellefonte.

"It's an event that's going on in the community and that's something that I try to stay a part of," Reitz said.