Attendees at the French Pastry School annual gala were treated to more than 40 chocolate variations, including an edible sculpture garden.

For the Love of Chocolate Foundation's annual gala, sponsored by the French Pastry School, Chicago, raised $30,000 for scholarships for future FPS students. The foundation awards scholarships to L'Art de la Patisserie program at the FPS. Last year, eight students were awarded scholarships.

More than 400 guests, sponsors, students, alumni and chefs gathered at the event this month to partake in more than 40 chefs' specialties, from chocolate bonbons to fine cuisine. Guests were treated to several different themed rooms, beginning with the edible sculpture garden, where they sampled products from Bleeding Heart Bakery, Lovely: A Bake Shop and Sweet Collective, all bakeries owned and operated by graduates of the French Pastry School. Other participating bakeries included Pierre's Bakery, Sarah's Pastries & Candies and Vanille Patisserie.

“It's wonderful to be able to help future students who otherwise would not be able to pursue their dream of attending pastry school,” said Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-owner and co-founder of the French Pastry School. “It's also great for our current students to come together with people from the industry, to get a taste for what's out there and what's in store for them.”

For the Love of Chocolate Foundation promotes commitment in pastry arts education for individuals looking to change careers or those who have shown potential in the culinary field, but have no formal pastry education. Next year's event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 6.