The Chocolate Chronicles

Semi Sweet Savages — Fundraising with Friendship, Fun, and Fierce Determination

When best friends Bryanna and Alexandra signed up for their very first Hot Chocolate Run a decade ago, they didn’t quite know what they were getting into. “That was my first ever 5K,” Alexandra laughs. “I’m not a runner—I trot. But Bryanna looked at me and said, ‘Hey, want to do a 5K with me?’ and I said, sure.”

What began as two friends testing themselves has grown into Semi Sweet Savages, a spirited team known for their creativity, ugly sweater tradition, and community-centered fundraising. The name itself—rooted in the Hot Chocolate theme but flexible enough to carry into other events—has become part of their identity. “We wanted something memorable,” Bryanna explains. “Semi Sweet fit perfectly—because we’re a little fun, a little crazy, and just a little savage.”

Now entering their 10th Hot Chocolate Run, the Semi Sweet Savages are marking the milestone with special outfits and a little mystery for their supporters. “We love keeping people guessing about what we’ll do next,” Alexandra says. “It makes fundraising fun for us and for the people cheering us on.”

What truly sets this team apart is their inventive approach to fundraising. From trivia nights and bingo tournaments to a one-of-a-kind “Tips-Giving” event, the Savages have turned creativity into community impact. “We like to take the pressure off and make fundraising something people want to be part of,” Bryanna shares. “Come play bingo, come laugh with us, and along the way, you’ll learn about Safe Passage and why this work matters.”

That mix of fun and purpose is deeply rooted in their personal motivation. For Bryanna, participating in the Hot Chocolate Run has also been a journey of self-discovery. “I didn’t realize for a long time that I had been in a domestic violence situation,” she reflects. “At the time, I told myself, ‘I’m strong, I’m not getting hit, so I don’t need support.’ Looking back, I see how much I did need it. Each year I share a little more of my story because I know there are others in that same headspace. Fundraising is my way to say, ‘You’re not alone.’”

Alexandra nods. “For me, the biggest thing has been realizing there are spaces where people will listen—even if you’re not sure how to talk about it. That’s why we show up, year after year. We want people to know they can talk, they can share, they can be heard.”

And while their cause is serious, their team spirit is joyful. Ugly sweaters on race day, goofy group photos at the start of fundraising season, and celebrating each member’s contributions—big or small—are all part of the Semi Sweet Savage way. “Not everything has to come from us as captains,” Alexandra explains. “We love seeing our teammates take an idea and run with it. That’s when the magic happens.”

The memories that stick with them most are the ones filled with connection: crossing the finish line side by side, snapping a rain-soaked selfie that turned into a favorite photo, and that moment on race morning when they first spot their teammates in the crowd. “We’re here. We made it. We’re together,” Bryanna says with a smile. “And then, of course, we need hot chocolate.”

For the Semi Sweet Savages, it’s not just about running or fundraising—it’s about friendship, resilience, and building a community that lifts each other up.

So, be a little sweet, be a little savage, and make a difference by raising money for survivors of domestic violence.

Check out their page here: Semi Sweet Savages