Building Smiles at A Place to Call Home
The holiday season is a time for spreading joy, warmth, and the spirit of giving. In line with this festive tradition, Believe in Me recently hosted an enchanting event, A Place to Call Home Charity Fundraiser, featuring the beloved Gingerbread House Decorating Activity. The event aimed to create lasting memories for families and to contribute to a cause close to our hearts: providing a safe and loving home for children experiencing homelessness.
A Community United for Gingerbread Joy
The call to join the festivities was extended far and wide as Believe in Me warmly invited the community to partake in this heartwarming affair. Families were encouraged to gather and enjoy a sweet and special afternoon of gingerbread house decorating, sipping on hot cider or cocoa, and sharing their holiday wishes with none other than the man in red himself – Santa Claus.
A Place to Call Home: Committed to Local Children’s Charities
At the heart of this celebration was a commitment to supporting local children’s charities dedicated to helping kids find a safe place to call home. The programs highlighted during the event played a crucial role in creating a sense of family and community while simultaneously building essential skills and self-esteem in children to empower them for a brighter future.
A Joyful Turnout and Creative Triumphs
The event saw an incredible turnout, with approximately 150 people coming together to share in the festivities. Children, in particular, reveled in the season’s joy as they engaged in various activities, from delighting in the 360-degree photo booth with Santa Claus to interacting and playing with WSU Baseball players while enjoying the festive North Pole Apparel and Candy Shoppe. Adding an extra layer of excitement, participants showcased their creativity in the gingerbread house decorating competition, turning the venue into a canvas of sugary architectural wonders.
Notably, the judging panel for the gingerbread house decorating competition featured the esteemed Ricky Webster, a chef, culinary school instructor, freelance food writer, and photographer. Known for winning the title of Christmas Cookie Champion on the Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge series, Ricky Webster’s culinary expertise added a special touch to the competition.
After careful deliberation, we are thrilled to congratulate the gingerbread house decorating competition winners. Claiming the top spot is Taysia Matthias, whose gingerbread creation stood out with exceptional craftsmanship and festive spirit. Following closely as the 1st runner-up is Sarah Momer, whose imaginative design impressed the judges. Danny Brunett takes the title of 2nd runner-up with a delightful creation, and Lynette Lewis secures the 3rd runner-up position with charming and creative entries. Each participant poured their heart and soul into their gingerbread masterpieces, adding an extra layer of holiday magic to the event.
These creative endeavors added to the festivities’ overall charm and demonstrated the community’s spirit and enthusiasm for coming together to celebrate and support a worthy cause. The gingerbread house decorating competition was a testament to the community’s commitment to making a difference and spreading joy during the holiday season.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors
Support from our sponsors, Windermere Real Estate, Li La Beauty Co, BECU, KHQ, iHeart Media, Best Western PepperTree Inn, Mobile Billboards Northwest, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Flying Squirrel, Flatstick Pub, DryFly Distilling, Mystique, Gingerbread Traditions, US Bank, The Spokesman-Review, Village Centre Cinemas, ICCU, Zipline B2B, and the HUB Sports Center played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success and added layers of enjoyment for attendees.
Beyond Gingerbread: A Place to Call Home
In the spirit of the season, the Believe in Me’s A Place to Call Home event brought the community together to celebrate joy, giving, and togetherness. Attendees created lasting memories through the shared experience of gingerbread house decorating, meeting Santa, and engaging in various activities. They contributed to a cause that seeks to provide a warm and loving home for children in need. As the holiday lights twinkle and the echoes of laughter linger, the event serves as a reminder that, indeed, home is where the heart is. Every child deserves a place to call their own.
