BPW to have themed cake auction
COSHOCTON – Local bakers are firing up their ovens for the 11th annual Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) cake auction. However, there are some changes to the event this year that organizer Emily McBurney thinks will draw even more people to the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser.
“We wanted to revamp the cake auction in general,” said McBurney. “It’s been 10 years, this is our 11th year, and we wanted to try a different day, a different time of day, and a new venue to see if we could generate more interest.”
In year’s past, the cake auction was a part of First Fridays and the auction always conflicted with Friday night football games, but not anymore. This year’s auction will be Saturday, Sept. 24 in the Frontier Power Community Room. Viewing is from noon to 2 p.m. and the auction will begin promptly at 2 p.m. with local auctioneers Sheri Fortune and Mary Mason from Agents Realty and Auction Service at the podium. The two auctioneers have been donating their time for 11 years.
But that’s not the only change to this year’s cake auction.
“One of the complaints we’ve had is that people didn’t know what to do with their cakes,” said McBurney.
The members of BPW got together and decided to come up with a theme, which they hope to continue each year with a different theme. “Because Every Cake has a Story to Tell” is this year’s theme and bakers are encouraged to create a cake with their favorite book in mind.
“What is your favorite book?” said McBurney. “Do you have a favorite character? We want you to take that and run with your cake, and as an incentive, why not include a copy of your book?”
Another change this year is the option to become a corporate sponsor of the cake auction. For those who don’t want to make a cake or donate items to the auction, they can donate a certain amount of money to become corporate sponsors, which will be recognized in the program.
“We’ve been successful with that this year,” said McBurney. “We’re going into the cake auction having the most corporate sponsorship money than any other year.”
This year’s cake auction will feature at least 35 cakes and the public has the opportunity to vote for their favorite. Two trophies will be awarded, one for “People’s Choice” and the other for “Most Unusual”. Those two cakes will be auctioned first.
Last year, the auction brought in approximately $3,000. Most of that money goes toward the Joan McNeely Working Women Scholarship, which is awarded to two local women who plan to further their education.
“The thank you cards we get from the scholarship are just amazing,” said McBurney. “The recipients are just so grateful.”
BPW also gives out two $1,000 scholarships, donates to Dollars for Scholars, sponsors a local girl who attends Buckeye State, sponsors 4-H leadership camp, donates to the Christmas Castle, and is involved with First Step Family Violence Intervention Services.
“All of the money stays here locally,” said McBurney. “That is very important to us.”
The public is invited to come and view the cakes from noon to 2 p.m. and then stay for the auction to bid on these amazing cakes.
“I think people enjoy coming to see these cakes because some of them are works of art,” said McBurney. “It takes a lot of work, time, and effort to make these cakes.”
To learn more about BPW, find them on Facebook.
Category: Clubs & Organizations