For the Love of Baking

by SF Dell

For the past six years Joyce Goldfield has played ringleader to a band of cooks, chefs, bakers and happy homemakers. Her annual bake sale not only feeds the lucky lookers who purchase the delectable treats but, the beneficiaries of the bake sale.

Through Heifer International, Goldfield’s bake sale funds go directly toward the purchase of livestock from fields near the needy families in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda who will become the new owners.

With gifts of livestock and training, Heifer International helps families improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways. The non-profit refers to the animals as "living loans.” In exchange for the livestock and training recieved, families agree to give one of the gift animal's offspring to another family in need. According to Heifer, “Passing on the Gift” is the cornerstone of their mission. This gift passing creates an ever-expanding network of hope and peace.

Any persons wanting to join the band of gift giving bakers are welcome to whip something up and bring it ready to serve to Toby’s Feed Barn on Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to Joyce, the pies go quickly and early birds catch the worm.

Typically, new treats trickle in all day long, so do not fear what ever you are craving may soon appear. Amongst the Lemon Curd and the Devonshire Cream, I am told, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free treats are popular. This year expect several newly inspired Joyce baked muffins and spiced molasses cookies made from the prized acorn flour historically used by local Miwok, a valuable wild source of nourishment.

Over the last three years, the annual bake sale funds have been matched by various donors and have benefited families in China and Haiti.

More information about Heifer International is available on the web at < http://www.heifer.org> and at the bake sale.

CUTLINE:

Students at Papermill Creek Children’s Corner participated last week in decorating paper bags for purchased bake sale goods. Several photos taken of the children at that time will be sent to the families receiving the livestock. Pictured here, Andrea Reynoso, Ella Chen-Luftig, Jonathan Semorile, and Juan-Pablo Macia.