When is a duck not a duck?
If you were at our fantastic Drop In & Decorate® event hosted by Rhode Island School of Design's Continuing Education division and RISD Dining + Catering this past weekend, you'd know the answer!
More than 160 participants of all ages came together for three hours to decorate 1,000 cookies, with 800+ ultimately donated to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's Kids Cafe program.
Most of the folks who came had never decorated cookies with Royal icing before. Volunteer instructors taught the basic techniques, and after a practice cookie or two, everyone was on his or her way to creating edible masterpieces.
Andrew Schiff, CEO of the RI Community Food Bank, stopped by to thank the decorators. Food Bank Chief Philanthropy Officer Lisa Roth Blackman also joined us.
An enthusiastic group from Citizens Bank discovered that cookie decorating is fun and easy, and decorators were also on hand from the Sargent Rehabilitation Center, one of our long-time recipient agencies.
One room was set up for families with young children, with a special team of volunteer instructors to teach both parents and kids how to decorate with the squeeze bottles (coloring inside the lines was not a requirement!).
The influence of art school was everywhere as many RISD students joined in the fun.
We will have lots of photos to share, as several people pool their uploads, so for today, here are some cookies that answer the question, "When is a duck not a duck?"
Many, many thanks to all who made this event possible: to RISD C/E, RISD Dining + Catering, RI Community Food Bank, and the volunteers who greeted, seated, taught, encouraged, wrapped, packed, and created a wonderful experience for all who attended.
WOW! That is amazing! I am so sad that I couldn't make the trip. Can't wait to see more great pictures!
Posted by: Jenna Z | February 1, 2010 at 12:53 PM
This event was just wonderful! Thanks to everyone who made it happen, especially Lydia Walshin.
Posted by: Laura | February 2, 2010 at 10:15 AM
oh Lydia, this is *fantastic*! What a wonderful event, and I'm so happy that so many cookies were made for such deserving people.
you should be quite proud.
xoxo steph
Posted by: Stephanie O'Dea | February 2, 2010 at 11:03 AM
what cute and creative cookies! great designs!
Posted by: Suzanne | February 3, 2010 at 10:28 PM
Incredibly wonderful cookies! Send the decorators to Texas to inspire us this weekend when we tackle the 1000+ cookies for the Easter baskets!
Hats off to RISD!
Posted by: Fredericksburg Food Ministry | March 16, 2010 at 07:39 AM