Friends of Lansing Library to host first cookie contest fundraiser

Amalia Gonzalez and her two children first came to Lansing in 2019 and were quick to join the Lansing Community Library. For Gonzalez and both her children, literature and building community was an important part of settling into their new home. Gonzalez also joined Friends of the Lansing Community Library (LCL).

She, along with all members of the LCL, are very active in fundraising efforts for the library with the annual chicken barbeque being the most popular event. Another fundraiser put in by Friends of LCL was an online auction that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“All these years that we were at home, revisiting what we had in our homes, and so a lot of people donated to the auction. We had different price categories as well so that everyone could participate and that way we were able to keep raising money,” Gonzalez said. “And then this year we were brainstorming some ideas and we were thinking ‘what could we do now that we can go out and be with people?’ and we thought ‘why not like a pie contest or a cookie contest or something like that?’”

And “something like that” is exactly what Friends of LCL is doing. The first ever, and hopefully not last, Cookie Contest Fundraiser is planned to be an exciting event with something for folks of all ages. 

The event will feature raffles, games, crafts, baked goods donated and made by Friends of LCL, and of course, the cookie contest itself. Everyone is welcome to participate in any or all of the events. The contest even features an entry category for children bakers to compete together. 

“We want this to be all inclusive and successful and kids love to explore in the kitchen so there is a 12 and under contest category for the adults to fill out for them,” Gonzalez said. “For all participants, once they sign up and pay the entry fee, they will get an email with instructions and info to contact us with questions. We are going to hold a meeting once registration is closed to meet with all the participants to ask questions and to give them more details.” 

Judges for the contest include people from Darling Cakes, Ithaca Bakery, Case sera sera, Emoticakes and Via of Via’s Cookies. The children’s category will have children to judge the cookies. For the adults, there are five categories: best overall cookie, best tasting cookie, best-looking cookie, and best gluten free/vegan cookie. Winners of each category will receive gift card prizes to local shops and restaurants that are closely tied to dessert making.

“I love baking competitions and know a lot of people that would agree and so we are just really excited to have this fundraiser for the library and to get people out and involved in something. School starts around Labor Day and so this is also like a final summer event for everyone to come enjoy and be a part of,” Gonzalez said. “I also want to add that Jess Shapiro has been my partner in all of this, creating and planning the event so I want to make sure she and the Friends of LCL that have helped with this event get recognized for their work.”

Registration for The Cookie Contest is open until the end of the day, Aug. 17. Those interested in participating should reach out to friendsoflcl@lansinglibrary.org to receive the sign up forms. Please specify if you would like the regular or children’s forms.

The event will take place Aug. 20 at Myers Park from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with games, crafts, and raffles throughout the day. For updates and other information visit The Friends of LCL at their Facebook page. 

Gonzalez added that they have been constantly keeping an eye on their email so anyone with questions is encouraged to reach out as soon as possible. 

“I hope the community and just everyone can come, even visitors, to just come and have a good time and support the library. We want to set a positive precedent and hopefully do this again next year,” Gonzalez concluded. “Come on out and try some baked goods or the contest cookies and have a fun day with your family and neighbors.”