Thing: Fudge-Off

With: United Way

Amongst: Employees

You can only imagine: The immature word play

With the word: Fudge

That: Melanie and I had during this event

Our immaturity: Reigns

I refuse: To grow up

No: You can't make me!

No: No! No! No! No!

In this episode of Person, Place or Thing, I am Sherlock Holmes and Melanie Manista-Rushforth is Dr. Watson.  You see, someone needed to solve this year's great United Way Fudge-Off mystery, and I was just the person to do it.

Arriving at the event disguised as a writer for the local alternative newspaper, I quickly began questioning the interoffice Fudge-Off co-founder Molly Feider about her whereabouts the evening prior to the fudging event. Fooled by my ruse, Feider withheld no information and gleefully admitted to her love of fudge making. "I'm really hoping this could be my year to win," she told me.

Feider also filled me in on the United Way Fudge-Off's humble beginnings back in 2007, a year in which two co-workers bickered about their fudging abilities so vehemently that it was impossible for anyone in the office to be United in any Way at all. Hence the sanctioned Fudge-Off was born, with proceeds from the event going toward the United Way cause.

Clue #1

Feider is a fudging instigator. Do we like Feider? Maybe. Let's wait and see how the fudge tastes.

Within seconds of my conversation with Feider, nine glorious options of anonymous, mystery fudge were set before me.  Coincidence? Or bribery?  Who cares ... I had fudge to eat. A small monetary donation toward the United Way was needed in order to partake in any fudging shenanigans, one that I was willing to make for the sake of crime solving.

Two categories - classic fudge and specialty fudge - were available for tasting. I quickly took a liking to the lighter of the two peanut butter fudges and (ed. note: of course) the espresso/alcohol-laden fudge.  

My fudging happiness was quickly distracted by the entrance of fudge competitor Renee Ghan, the other co-founder of this cutthroat fudge-making contest. "We're here to fudge off," I heard someone say, before turning to see the look in Ghan's eyes turn fierce. I knew she had a child to support, so earnings from any nationwide fudge-off publicity could substantially help her out.

Clue #2

Motive: Renee Ghan was a mother-fudger. 

My suspicions held true when later in the day news leaked of Ghan's United Way Fudge-Off victory.  I hope you're happy, Renee Ghan.  And to any readers out there who might spot Ghan's illustrious oven mitt winnings up for sale on eBay - resist!