Limestone College students from Cherokee County dip into extra chocolate samples Tuesday before the college's annual “Scholars, Dollars and Chocolates” fundraiser for local students. Pictured are student leader Alicia Smith, theater majors Evan Goetz and Rebecca Adams. Chocolate and academics will collide in a big way Thursday when Limestone College ushers in the third edition of a local scholarship fundraiser.

The college will hold its annual “Scholars, Dollars and Chocolates” banquet Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at Broad River Electric Auditorium. The event will help fund scholarships given just to Cherokee County day students who attend classes at Limestone.

Last year, the college awarded more than $184,000 in Cherokee County scholarships to 144 local students. This is in addition to many other types of institutional and government-sponsored financial aid awarded to these students.

The college still has a few tickets remaining for this year’s “Scholars, Dollars and Chocolates” banquet, said Tisha Thompson, director of corporate and annual giving at Limestone College. The $25 tickets include dinner, music by the Iron City Band, and homemade desserts prepared by Cherokee County Alumni Association members.

“The Scholars, Dollars and Chocolates scholarship banquet is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a wonderful dinner and delicious homemade chocolate desserts,” Thompson said.

The real appeal of the event is the opportunity to help make Limestone College affordable for county residents. At $1,500 per year, the college’s scholarship program for Cherokee County residents adds up to a significant savings over a 4-year period.

Nestle and Russell Stover’s have donated chocolate samples so everyone will have a sweet chocolate treat to take home. Allegra Print and Imaging has provided chocolate coins imprinted with the Limestone College logo for the fundraising event. The college will hold drawings for door prizes.

“I think anytime you can combine good food and chocolate with helping students in our community get a good education...It makes for a winning combination,” Thompson said.

For more information or to order tickets for the event, contact Thompson at (864) 488-4618.