Lydie Birai – Denver, Colorado … What is that delicious smell of food? That’s what many wondered as they approached the LifeSource Adventist Fellowship (LAF) annex on Saturday, March 11, at 6:30 in the evening. If their feet had wanted to keep going, their noses would have stopped them. Why? Because LAF’s 2nd Annual Bake-Off had begun and was at full speed. As soon as they walked in, their noses were hit with the aroma of savory and sweet deliciousness!
The flurry of activity inside included contestants of all ages putting finishing touches on their creations, while others chit-chatted with kids running around inspecting food items. The judges were making their way around long tables full of all kinds of baked goods. The only “rule” for the contestants was that the food item was put through an oven.
After purchasing tasting tickets, guests were invited to sign their name under various categories on the sign-in sheet, such as preferring pizza over tacos, text vs. call, Hulu vs. Netflix, staycation vs. vacation, and the lists went on. It soon became a lively gathering with many laughs and the anticipation of a full stomach. Lonnie Hetterle, former RMC education director and now lay pastor assistant, welcomed everyone with a devotional and prayer to close the Sabbath.
While judges Heidi Carpenter, Josue Vivanco, and Nathan Cordova made their way around the tables tasting, Club Ministries director Daisy Dalegowski began the first game by dividing everyone into three groups. The goal was to match an item label to a picture of the item. The first two teams were very close in their kitchen knowledge, but the third team won, proudly claiming bragging rights.
Soon, the tasting was open to the crowd. For a small price, more than 70 participants were able to gorge themselves on tantalizing flavors and tastes. Those who wanted another option could purchase a slice of pizza as part of the fundraising.
The final game was our famous cake decorating contest relay. Divided into four groups of four—each with one child, one youth, one young adult, and one adult—they raced each other to accomplish an individual task within the group. At the end of the relay, the crowd chose the best-decorated cake by their applause.
Contestants were judged on the presentation, taste, and the creativity of their goods. Age groups for the competition included ages 0-15, 16-35, and 36 plus. Pathfinder Ari Watts won first place with her dish, along with two-time winner Sienna Radu in their age group. Sienna Radu’s dish also won the People’s Choice award. Not to be outdone, her father, Florin Radu, took first in his age group. Young Adult winner and first-time participant, Heidi Breckner, took first with her Nutella Cheesecake. The runners-up put forth valiant efforts and we hope to see them next year when they can dethrone this year’s winners.
All funds raised will benefit Adventurers and Pathfinders attending the International Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, next year thanks to BrightStar Care, who sponsored our bake-off gifts. Winners took home some of the goodies. Our goal was to beat last year’s attendance of 70 and the fundraising amount of $1,000. Preliminary results indicate we may indeed have met both goals.
LifeSource Fellowship continues to live out our objective: Step into Family. And we continue to hold interesting events and activities for all ages, ethnicities, and perspectives in order that all may fellowship together, which includes people from all over Colorado.
After two years of holding a bake-off contest, we offer you two main reasons to consider a bake-off at your church. First, who doesn’t like showcasing their baking skills? Our bake-off allowed both young and older chefs to showcase their culinary skills in style. And second, it was good to see multi-generational participants compete with and against each other for a good cause. If you’re considering doing a bake-off and would like some tips or advice, don’t be afraid to reach out to us. We’d love to help. We’d also love to see all our Rocky Mountain clubs in Gillette next year! Let’s do this.
—Lydie Birai is secretary/treasurer of Club Ministries at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship in Denver. Photos provided.
