To the Editor:

The Potsdam Food Co-op raised $1,159 for the Potsdam Neighborhood Center at the annual Baking Fest!

The co-op held its 16th annual Baking Fest and Silent Auction Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon to 3 p.m., in the Carriage House behind the store, to benefit the Potsdam Neighborhood Center. There were 31 delicious entries that provided a feast for the eyes and pallet for the many visitors who attended, anxious to taste the wonderful treats provided by friends and neighbors.

The bakers with the most votes in each category of our friendly baking contest were:

• Cookies: Peppermint Patties by young sisters Nora and Franny Olsen of Russell

• Dessert: Danish Kringle by Charlie Machabee of Brushton

• Special Diet: Gluten-free Flourless Chocolate Torte with Hazelnut Praline Ganache by Susan Powers and her daughter Ellie Siegfried of Potsdam

• Savory: Banista by Bochra Morad of Potsdam

The winners in each category receive a $25 Good Food gift card from the co-op!

We are grateful to all of the bakers who donated their delectable treats! Their generosity makes this holiday tradition and community event possible. Important also are the generous bidders in the silent auction and contributors to the donation jar, without whom we would not have money to give. Collectively, a total of $1,159 was raised for the Potsdam Neighborhood Center.

Also, many thanks to the many volunteers and staff members who assisted in preparation, decoration, serving, and clean-up.

The annual Baking Fest and Silent Auction is part of the Co-op’s commitment to the community. It is a free event and open to everyone. It is a great way to begin the holiday season while supporting a very worthwhile organization.

Lynn Clark,

Potsdam