Gingerbread Competition Raises Over $50K

NEW PALTZ – During twelve festive days in December, more than 2,660 members of the local Hudson Valley community purchased a $15 Gingerbread Pass to experience the 10th Anniversary of the Gingerbread Competition inside the region’s iconic castle resort. The pass included access to the ice-skating rink, the property’s winter lights and display, access to the trails, and the opportunity to view this year’s winning gingerbread creations.

Building on years of community generosity, this season’s competition raised $50,000 for the Regional Food Bank, surpassing last year’s $30,000 total and reinforcing both the power of local participation and the resort’s continued commitment to giving back. This year, additional community support came from M&T Bank, which donated $5,000 to The Regional Food Bank, and other local organizations, including The Ulster County Chamber of Commerce and individuals, made donations for this event.

• 100% of the ticket price is being given to charity

• Over 2,660 tickets were sold over 12 days

• Mohonk Mountain House rounded up the community’s donations to the charity, bringing the total donation to $50,000.

Eric Gullickson, President of Mohonk Mountain House and fifth-generation member of the Smiley Family, shares, “The success of this year’s Gingerbread Competition highlights the generosity and spirit of our local community. Now more than ever, we are honored to continue this cherished tradition, knowing that every dollar raised will benefit those in need through the remarkable work of the Regional Food Bank. We are proud and grateful to present this check of $50,000 to help create change for all of our neighbors throughout the Hudson Valley.”