Chocolate might be an overlooked universal language.

Speaking in a tone of smells and unique one-of-a-kind tastes, there are few who don't understand its message.

"Chocolate speaks to everyone," said Lora Helou, communications director for the MSU Museum. "Chocolate has that unique effect on people."

This Sunday marks the museum's 14th annual Chocolate Party Benefit at the Kellogg Center, bringing sweet teeth of the surrounding community together to raise money for the museum.

The benefit, which raises between $10,000 to $12,000 each year, offers tastes of anything that could possibly be flavored with a chocolate hint. Bread, pies, cakes, cookies, truffles and hot cocoa are just a few of the rich temptations to be featured by local chefs, restaurants and confectioneries.

Fabiano's Homemade Candies of Lansing, which has been part of the chocolate celebration since it began, is preparing for this year as it has always done.

With truffles on hand, owner and admitted chocoholic Madeline Fabiano Blair said Fabiano's is ready to deliver the desired goods.

"We've been making chocolate since I was born," she said. "It's a good way to make people feel good, and that's something we've proven."

Blair said her love of chocolate has also gotten her some strange requests over the years - requests she's sometimes had to turn down.

"We've gotten wild requests," she said. "People have asked for ants and chocolate-covered grasshoppers, but we don't even consider that."

Not only is it a turnoff, but she also said it's against state health codes.

Strange requests she has honored have ranged from a chocolate-covered Ford to a medley of carrots, cauliflower and broccoli.

No word yet if the vegetables will be present at the chocolate party. But even if they are, don't forget a toothbrush for after the festivities.