“Great American Bake Sale” Sunday July 12 at 11:00 AM
I recently caught up with Jacqueline Malenda who, along with her sister Lauren Malenda and cousin Debbie Rosengard, is hosting a “Great American Bake Sale”. For those of you not familiar with these events, touted on the Food Network, these bake sales are sponsored by the organization “Share Our Strength”. 100% of the proceeds from “Share Our Strength” events are used to distribute meals to children all over the United States. All funds raised by this event will be used for children right here on Long Island. Ms. Malenda was kind enough to give me the scoop on this event:
What made you want to host a “Great American Bake Sale”?
From Left to Right: Jacqueline Malenda, along with her cousin Debbie Rosengard, and sister Lauren Malenda.
My cousin saw it advertised during a Food Network program and asked me and my sister if we would be interested. We all thought it was a great idea and began planning the sale in April. We all realize that childhood hunger is a persistent issue, but that during a recession the problem worsens. We want to do whatever we can to make a difference in the lives of hungry children.
I am sure many people would be surprised to learn that there are children going hungry in an area like Long Island.
We were shocked to find out how many children on Long Island alone go hungry. Most people would hardly guess that there are so many, knowing that Long Island is generally a prosperous place. Upon further investigation with “Share Our Strength”, we learned that just $35 feeds a child three meals a day for over a month.
What kind of donations or help are you looking for?
We are accepting both monetary donations which can be made in the form of cash at the bake sale, a check made out to “Share Our Strength”, or via PayPal on our website www.cousinsbakesale.webs.com We are also accepting donated baked goods, especially pies and cakes, and items to be raffled off, such as baskets and gift certificates to local businesses. For anyone who would like to make a donation under the name of their business, their business name will be prominently displayed at the sale!
Can people just bring donated baked goods right to the sale or should you be contacted first?
We would prefer to be contacted ahead of time via email, but if someone brings something at the last second we will not turn it away!
What else can we expect to see at the sale?
There will be baked goods as well as healthier choices such as fruits, cold beverages and coffee, raffles, a cookie decorating table for the children, face painting, and more. It will be an overall family fun day for a great cause and a great chance to meet members of our community!
OK… Where and When?
Our “Great American Bake Sale” will be held on Sunday July 12 at 11:00 am, at the corner of Route 25A and August Street, behind Capital One Bank, in East Setauket. Admission is free.
For more information: www.cousinsbakesale.webs.com
For donations or to contact hosts: cousinsbakesale@gmail.com
“Share Our Strength”: www.strength.org
“Great American Bake Sales”: www.greatamericanbakesale.org
