Buffalo Rising Online

May 27th 2007, 7:13am By Nancy Vargo

What do you suppose a Buffalo chocolatier and Bon Jovi have in common? Believe it or not, it's a dedicated commitment to helping the homeless. When he was learning how to become a chocolatier, Dan Johnson never expected his chosen occupation would lead to partnerships with the rich and famous. But that's exactly what happened.

Choco-Logo's owner and president, Dan Johnson, believes in giving and helping others by fundraising with chocolate. Some of the not-for-profit organizations he's currently working with include the Hospice Foundation; Roswell's Paint Box Project; Hawk Creek Wildlife Center; and Help USA.

It was his work on behalf of Help USA (www.helpusa.org) that ultimately connected Dan with Jon Bon Jovi. Jon first found out about Choco-Logo products at a Help USA fundraiser that he attended. The event attracted many famous entertainment and political folks and was hosted by Mario Cuomo's daughter, Maria Cuomo Cole.

Choco-Logo produces a candy line of gourmet imported organic French gray sea salt dusted Salty Turtles, Caramel Almond Chocolate Chip Bars, Chocolate and Toffee Covered Pretzels and a decadent Caramel and Chocolate-covered "Popcorn Extravaganza" for Help USA. One hundred percent of the profits benefit the organization. Twenty thousand dollars in orders translates to $10,000 for Help USA.

Once Bon Jovi had a taste of Choco-Logo's inspired goodies, he wanted to use the chocolates to help raise money for the organization, so he suggested that Choco-Logo make a specially designed Bon Jovi tin of chocolates. He put it up for sale on the band's Web site. Dan thought this was nice idea, but he never expected what came next.

More than 500 Bon Jovi tins began flying off the shelves daily!

This is just one example of Choco-Logo's sweet success with helping not-for-profit organizations raise money through fundraising chocolate sales. It's a program that benefits both the organization and Choco-Logo, whose yummy products speak for themselves to all who purchase them via fundraisers.

Dan's caring, outgoing and adventurous nature has taken him places he never expected to go. The joy he takes in creating creamy, delicious chocolate products is evident whenever he shows off his Downtown Buffalo factory and boutique or talks about working with the likes of Bloomingdale's on private label products or Barry Manilow on the Choco-Logo chocolates he sells in his shop in Las Vegas.

Choco-Logo actually may be best known locally for its corporate gifts and custom logo chocolates. In addition, the company designs tempting favors for parties and weddings with wholesalers taking orders from across the country. If all of this has left you with a craving for a bit of really good chocolate, head over to Choco-Logo in the heart of Downtown Buffalo.

Choco-Logo, 141 Broadway (between Elm and Michigan), 855.3500, call for hours, www.chocologo.com