Gingerbread Contest to Support Local Non-Profit

Weddings seem to get more and more pricy and one Parsippany business is looking to help engaged couples while getting into the holiday spirit and giving back to a worthy cause.

Pink Dahlia Floral & Event Design is hosting a competition called ‘Gingerbread Dreams: Building Hope from Love.’ 

Couples will build gingerbread houses to benefit From Houses to Homes, a local grassroots organization committed to building safe, durable and maintainable houses for poor families in highland Guatemala, said Kim Tauriello, owner & lead designer of Pink Dahlia.

Engaged couples planning a wedding in 2014 or 2015 are eligible to win a grand prize of wedding services valued at more than $15,000.

“By creating a gingerbread house, engaged couples can not only win more than $15,000 in wedding services, including $5,000 in wedding flowers,” said Tauriello, “but they can also help to give other families a place to call home.”

To participate, couples must submit a one-of-a-kind, gingerbread home creation along with a donation of $75 to From Houses to Homes. Couples who book a wedding flower contract with Pink Dahlia will receive $75 off after the contest.

The deadline to participate is Sunday, Dec. 15. Contest rules and restrictions are available at www.pinkdahliaevents.com. Then the public voting period begins for the best construction.

“Building houses and creating homes improves many facets of life,” said Judy Baker, executive director of From Houses to Homes. “We are delighted to be a part of this event that will assist us in our mission to improve health, education, community and even the pursuit of dreams for the families we serve in highland Guatemala.”

All of the gingerbread houses will be on display in a showcase event on Friday, Dec. 20 from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 from 12-9 p.m. at the VFW Hall, located at 750 Route 10 West, Whippany. During the display hours, there will be a visit from Santa, his elves and candy cane fairies, live musical performances by local artists and choirs and a Gingerbread Global Village created by the Pink Dahlia team with fresh flowers and candy.

Hot cocoa and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Admission is a $2 donation per guest and all proceeds will benefit FHTH.

The winning couple will be notified on Christmas morning by a visit from Santa who will deliver a Grand Prize sack full of gifts that will include:

• Wedding flowers from Pink Dahlia, a value of $5,000
• Day-of Cinematography from Karmapants Photography, value $3,000
• Day-of Photography with 75 Thank You cards from The Luna Blue Studio, value $2,600
• Day-of Coordination from aStellina Events, value $1,500
• Fashion Consultation & Styling for Bride, Groom & Their Party from Ann Meyer Signature Events, value $1,500
•  and live cocktail hour music, wedding stationary, beauty treatments and more

Families, individuals and groups can also participate in the general category of the contest. One winner from this category will be picked by the public to win a Santa sack of other prizes that includes spa treatments, hotel overnight stays, restaurant gift certificates and more. The cost for this participation is a $40 donation payable to From Houses to Homes.

Tauriello created this contest with her late sister Jennifer in mind. It was a longstanding family tradition to hold a gingerbread-building contest amongst their immediate family.

“I wanted to be able to carry on a family tradition that is close to my heart but also one that allows me to use my talent and success to help make the world a better place,” said Tauriello. “By building these gingerbread houses, we not only foster fun, loving, creative memories amongst our own community, but we also give the families and children of Guatemala a home—a foundation of hope for a better tomorrow. This is my grown up Christmas wish.”

To register and submit a gingerbread house, all participants should print the registration form available at www.pinkdahliaevents.com and then mail the form with the donation to:

From Houses to Homes

Gingerbread Dreams

PO Box 85, Mt. Tabor 
New Jersey 07878