For the last few years, I’ve seen the Cookies for a Cause event pop up in my Facebook and Twitters feeds. I was especially interested that this year’s fifth version of the event will benefit the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood’s Matt Urban Center.
Cookies for a Cause V is being held on December 14th from 1pm – 5pm at Resurgence Brewing Company located at 1250 Niagara St. in Buffalo. This looks like it’s going to be a great and fun event to help the Matt Urban Center.
I decided to reach out to the founder of Cookies for a Cause, Rebecca Decker, for an interview to share some history on the endeavor and what it’s all about.
Here’s the interview.
BFA: Why did you start Cookies for a Cause?
I love to bake and I was envious of folks who had big families or cookie exchanges at work. I thought it would be fun to start one with my friends, but then thought I could incorporate a charitable giving component. I first had the idea in 2013 or so, but I wasn’t ready to organize a big event. In 2015 I finally felt ready to put all the pieces together and make a plan! It’s a fun way for me to give back to our community while doing something I love.
BFA: How has the event grown over the years?
In our first year we raised about $400. The 2nd and 3rd years we increased our fundraising to just over $800. Last year we raised $1,450! The first two years we held the event in the evening on a weeknight. Our last two have been on Saturday afternoons, which makes it a bit easier for lots of people to join us. Both Flying Bison (our previous location) and Resurgence (this years location) are both family friendly breweries, which allows us to be flexible to more people. We have more cookies and more varieties every year!
BFA: Anything else you would like to add?
While I organize most of this solo, it’s truly a group effort. I have many friends who assist in my efforts by making cookies and volunteering day of. the Cookbook Club group I am involved with is always sure to make lots of cookies, and the Buffalo Beer Goddesses also offer volunteer support and cookies. We raise money to support the Matt Urban Center who also sends an amazing team of volunteers to help with this event! They offer a wide variety of programs and services to support those in our community. ” The Matt Urban Center’s Mission is to provide programs that revitalize neighborhoods, serve families and change lives.” I feel strongly that all residents of Buffalo and the surrounding areas should have access to basic necessities like safe housing and food.
I always say this event is a labor of love and it’s true, but it’s worth it to see everyone have fun and support an important local organization. 100% of the money we raise goes to support Matt Urban – and costs of materials or time are donated. Eating cookies knowing you’re helping a neighbor in need is a great way to celebrate the holiday season!
This is from Cookies for a Cause V’s Facebook event page on what you can do to participate.
Let’s get together and celebrate the best parts of the holiday season: cookies, charity and merriment! This is our 5th annual charity cookie exchange. This years proceeds will benefit Matt Urban Human Services. http://urbanctr.org/
“Matt Urban Center’s mission is to provide programs that enhance the quality of life, preserve neighborhoods and encourage economic development.”
A $10 donation gets you a mixed box of cookies to enjoy.
If you bring cookies to exchange (3 dozen minimum) a $5 donation will get you a mixed box of cookies. We will also be offering a $5 grab bag of cookies this year if you don’t want a whole box!
Click on the link below to go to the event page on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/events/533895230737463/
Thank you, Rebecca Decker for the interview and for stepping up to help Buffalo.
This looks really cool. Resurgence is great.
I’ve gone just about every year and it’s such a blast. Strongly recommend it! My kids have fun too.
C is for COOKIE! B is for BEER. I’m in.