Duane Hicks
Riverside Foundation for Health Care special events committee members have been busy baking and packaging goodies in preparation for their new Christmas fundraiser, the “Up Scale Bake Sale,” to be held Thursday (Dec. 4) from 5-8 p.m. at the Little Beaver Snow Park lodge.
Committee chair Joan Allison said the evening will be a chance for people to socialize while browsing over a festive assortment of homemade baking and special treats.
She stressed the sale will feature not only food for people to serve when they host their own celebrations, but uniquely-packaged gifts for giving—a boon for those without the creative touch or time to spare during the busy holiday season.
These range from shortbread, chocolates, and other homemade goodies to tins full of popcorn snacks and tree ornaments.
Of special note is a variety of “ready-to-make” gifts, like festive mugs full of coffee beans or homemade hot chocolate mix, jars full of ingredients to make soup, and containers with all of the ingredients to bake banana bread or other desserts.
Allison said the items for sale would make perfect gifts for hostesses, teachers, or co-workers.
The “Up Scale Bake Sale” is replacing the “Wreaths ’n Things” fundraiser the Foundation has held for the past eight years.
“We’re always excited and nervous when it is a new venture,” admitted Foundation director Teresa Hazel. “We’re excited because it is a new venture, but we’re also nervous.
“We hope people will support it and come out.
“I am excited about it because I think it is going to be awesome—the evening and the quality of goods that will be there,” Hazel added. “I know for me, this time of year I am always looking for those ‘little something’ gifts and I think this is place where you can find them.
“People put some thought into the gifts; people are giving the treats that are special to them and sharing with everyone—the family traditions and recipes.”
Admission is $10. Guests will be treated to a complimentary glass of wine or punch, and seasonal snacks will be served.
All proceeds will go to support the medical equipment needs at La Verendrye Hospital, the Emo Health Centre, Rainy River Health Centre, and Rainycrest Long Term Care.
The special events committee will be meeting tomorrow (Dec. 3) from 5-8 p.m. to make the final preparations for the “Up Scale Bake Sale,” with Hazel stressing it’s not too late for those who want to donate items.
Donors can package their goodies themselves or leave it to the special events committee, noted Hazel.
“We’re more than happy to take it,” she remarked.
Those interested can call Hazel at 274-4803 or Allison at 274-9484.
