By Francie Kelley
On December 4th, 89 of our families gathered at Brandeis University for our Annual Holiday Party. It was a spectacular event. We had a completely gluten-free catered lunch that included caesar salad with croutons, pasta with sauce, chicken parmesan and meatballs.
We had a DJ with plenty of music, dancing and games for the kids. There was a Kid’s Room with arts and crafts, board games and decorating gluten-free cookies. We also made a gluten-free gingerbread house. The gingerbread house will be on display starting December 15th in the lobby of the Waltham location of Boston Children’ Hospital.
There was a vendor fair with 18 vendors and lots of GF samples to try.
The kids had a great time and it is so heartwarming to see the excitement when they find out all the food is gluten-free. They could work on the gingerbread house, they could decorate the cookies and they could eat all the food without fear of gluten containing ingredients.
During the event member Ariana Mathews was given the Marina Keegan Service Award. Each year we honor Marina by bestowing an award in her name to a child/teen exhibiting charity and service in the celiac community. Ariana and her family have been active members of the group for over 10 years. Ariana is the current author of the “Ask the Teen” column. She has also contributed to the group by volunteering at events and helping to organize programs. Congratulation Ariana!
We want to thank Lola’s of Natick for catering the event, Gillian’s Foods for providing dessert and board member Debbie Ferguson for making the cake. We want to thank Kinnikinnick for providing the graham crackers for making the gingerbread house. We also want to thank those vendors who came out to the event and those that provided samples.
Our donors are; 88 Acres, Bakery on Main, Beanfields, Bob’s Red Mill, Brazi Bites, Canyon Bakehouse, Crunchmaster, Dr. Schar, Edward and Sons, Ener –G, Enjoy Life Foods, Explore Asian, Gluten Free Recipe Box, Kinnikinnick, Lisanatti Foods, Massel, Nature’s Bakery, RP Pasta, San-J and Smart Flour.
Our vendors are; Aleia’s Gluten Free Foods, Arbonne International, Camp Emerson
Camp NJY, Eastern Marketing, Gluten Free Territory, JD’s Best Gluten Free Pizza, Jennifer Lee’s Gourmet Bakery, Nüssli 118, Pixie Dust Gluten Free Chef, Pop IQ, Something Sweet Without Wheat, Still Riding Foods, The Greater Knead, Treat Cupcake Bar, Udis/Glutino and Underscore Baked Goods
I can’t wait until next year’s party.
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