Support Gingerbread 4 Good: Aid Hurricane Victims
Tax deductible
WHAT IS GINGERBREAD 4 GOOD? - A Fundraiser Inspired by the Historic Omni Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Competition
For more than 30 years, the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, has been a cherished holiday tradition. Every winter, bakers from all over the nation gather at the historic hotel to showcase their intricate, awe-inspiring gingerbread creations. This unique event has drawn crowds eager to see gingerbread houses transformed into works of art, from whimsical cottages to elaborate castles and imaginative scenes. The competition has become a hallmark of the holiday season, inspiring creativity and spreading joy to all who visit.
This year, however, the Omni Grove Park Inn made the difficult decision to pause the annual competition as resources and community efforts focus on Hurricane Helene relief in the region. Recognizing the profound impact of the storm, the Inn has redirected its holiday season to supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts for those affected in North Carolina and beyond.
Honoring Tradition, Bringing Aid
In the spirit of this beloved event, Gingerbread 4 Good was created. My aim is to bring people together in a virtual gingerbread competition to carry on the joy and creativity of the Asheville tradition, raising money through donations either to this GoFundMe or directly to charitable organizations working to help in recovery and rebuilding efforts.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE? - There are several ways you can join in these efforts.
1. Create a gingerbread masterpiece and submit photos of it to our website (gingerbread4good.org) no later than December 1, 2025. There are several categories you can enter - choose either Professional Adult, Amateur Adult, Kids 13 - 17 or Kids 12 and under.
2. Vote for your favorite by making a donation, either to this GoFundMe or to one of these organizations:
The American Red Cross
The Salvation Army
World Central Kitchen
The Humane Society Emergency Animal Relief Fund
Visit our website to send a copy of your receipt and receive a link for voting.
3. Share this link and post to your social media pages.
By supporting this fundraiser, either by donating or entering your own gingerbread creation, you’re not only celebrating the magic of the holidays but also participating in the giving spirit of the season. The impact of your participation reaches beyond holiday spirit – it provides hope, support, and resources for those working to rebuild their lives.
Thank you for helping me honor this tradition in a way that’s more meaningful than ever. Together, we can blend the holiday spirit with community support, turning gingerbread creations into tangible aid for those in need.
Please note: The Omni Grove Park Inn is not affiliated with this fundraiser. I am a longtime fan of their gingerbread competition and created this fundraiser as an homage to the event.
Organizer
Barbara von Pagel
Organizer
Asheville, NC
BeLoved Asheville
Beneficiary