Central College News

Central College Introduces Forever Dutch® Chocolate

Featured: Central College Introduces Forever Dutch® Chocolate

February 3, 2025

Central College launches Forever Dutch® Milk Chocolate and Forever Dutch Dark Chocolate bars, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Central partnered with Van Veen Chocolates, a Pella-based chocolatier, to create the gourmet 3-ounce solid chocolate bars.

Crafted by Marja and Matt Miller, owners of Van Veen Chocolates, and her father Chuck Van Veen, the bars feature a design and wrapper created by Melody VanderLeest, senior content specialist – design/art director, in collaboration with  Van Veen Chocolate.

The launch is part of Central’s ongoing partnerships with local businesses, including the Forever Dutch Roast and Forever Dutch Lager introduced in 2023 and 2024. These collaborations support student scholarships, with 30% of Forever Dutch Chocolate sales benefiting the Journey Scholarship Fund.

“Local partnerships have been significant as we develop new products our Central community and beyond can enjoy together,” says Steffanie Bonnstetter, director of marketing and communications, who led the collaborative effort. “It’s especially rewarding that a percent of the Forever Dutch Chocolate sales will go to the Journey Scholarship Fund. The Imagine More initiative aims to build strong ties between the college and the Pella community. This has led to meaningful conversations and products that help us do good, together.”

The collaboration with Van Veen Chocolates has a personal connection. Chuck Van Veen is married to Jill Wainwright Van Veen, a Class of 1964 Central alumna, and is the son of Dorothy Kaldenberg Rooda, 1940 Central alumna.

“We love when our Central family supports our fundraising efforts,” Bonnstetter adds.

Forever Dutch Milk Chocolate and Forever Dutch Dark Chocolate bars may be purchased at Van Veen Chocolates, 613 Franklin St., Pella, and the Central Spirit Shoppe in the Maytag Student Center on Central’s campus. Shop online at vanveenchocolates.com/s/shop.

Share