May 1, 2012

with gratitude – 3rd annual nyc food blogger bake sale

America, events, New York
with gratitude – 3rd annual nyc food blogger bake sale

“Hurry! Hurry,” I pleaded to M. “Get the car ready so we can start loading up.”  As M rolled his eyes and headed out the door, I checked my list to make sure I had everything we needed for 3rd Annual NYC Food Blogger Bake Sale to benefit Share Our Strength/No Kids Hungry Campaign, in effort to end childhood hunger by 2015.

There must be something missing, I thought.

Two minutes into our drive to Brooklyn Flea, I remembered an important item–the clip board of logistics information about the event.  I made M pull over, and I jogged back to the apartment.

Once we arrived in Brooklyn, the skies were clear, and the sun was shining brightly. It seemed like we were blessed with great weather for a good cause.  Then, I walked onto the near empty school playground of the Flea where vendors assembled their stands and arranged their wares. A tent-flipping wind blew across blacktop.

The team managed to set up our temporary shop without much distress, other than only an occasional Wizard of Oz moment.  We proceeded to display the cookies, brownies, and other baked goods from the bloggers, bakers, and bakeries.

Then I remembered the other missing item . . . items. Still sitting on a table a borough away was a stack of boxes filled with cookies. M to the rescue—they made it to Brooklyn Flea 90 minutes later to join the parade of sweets.

Our first sale came before the official 10 AM opening. A Flea vendor came up to our tent and aksed, “I need something for breakfast, how much are these cookies?” Since a good cause, not good nutrition was the mission, we didn’t dissuade him. With that bag of cookies gone, the Bake Sale officially began.

Lillian (from the Sweets by Sillianah blog), the team, and I worked through the day, rotating and replenishing baked goods.  Thanks to several shifts of volunteers, we (or the baked goods) charmed the adults and kids into making purchases.  Adults wanted more explanations and suggestions. Kids needed no help. Their eyes are sharp when it comes to sweets; they go right for what they like.

Even the dogs that desperately wanted some treats of their own(hint for next year’s bakers).

After several hours of swift transactions, I strolled out of the flea exhausted but elated. We had a fantastic day of connection for a great cause.

I want to thank the food blogging community, volunteers, bakers, bakeries, friends, and families for partaking in this spectacular bake sale. I would also like to extend my gratitude to my Twitter community, who helped, supported, and encouraged my efforts during and after the process. Without your support and contributions, Lilian and I could not have pulled off a successful event. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

America, events, New York
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