Calling all bakers: Build a gingerbread house for charity

It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit: The event benefits the CoxHealth Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, organizations that exist to support local people through financial assistance during medical crisis, as well as the funding for medical care, technology and facility improvements at CoxHealth.

“We’ve featured gingerbread creations from professional bakers for several years at Wrap it Up, but this is the first year we decided to extend the competition to home bakers,” says Laurie Soulsby, senior development officer at the CoxHealth Foundation. “We know that there are many creative people throughout the area, and wanted to offer an avenue where their talents can shine.”

Bragging rights and trophies will be awarded for both first and second place entries, which will also remain on display at Cox South throughout the holiday season.

The competition is free to enter. Participants will receive three free tickets to attend the event, which will be held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Oasis Convention Center (2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield) from 5:30 – 8 p.m.

These are the guidelines:

• The entry must be original – no gingerbread kits allowed – and must have been constructed in 2016.
  
• The entry must be at least 85% edible.
  
• The entry must be at least 1.5 feet tall at some point in the structure, and at least 1 foot wide at some point on the base.
  
• Any structure, including designs based on holiday stories, recreations of historic homes or buildings, and magical make-believe creations, will be eligible.
  
• Electric lighting and/or motorized movement may be added to entries, but any light bulbs or wires should be integrated into the display and/or concealed as best as possible.
  

The deadline to enter is Nov. 30, and all entries are due by 2 p.m. on Dec. 8. Winners will be announced that evening at the event. For more information, please call 417-269-7150.