ROCKPORT — Dozens of Rockport Elementary School children have taken an idea seen on the Food Network to nourish a fund-raising project right here.
The students participated in a gingerbread house contest based on the Food Network's popular competition show, "Iron Chef America," in an effort to raise money for the Amelia Grace Place playground Fund.
Rockport Parent Teacher Organization Co-President Sue Andersen said the idea for the competition came to organizers while they discussed what to do about a surplus of graham crackers that they had purchased to build and sell gingerbread houses at the PTO's annual Holiday Fair.
"We were trying to figure out how to use (the graham crackers) and involve the kids, so really that was the incentive," Andersen said, "but at the same time we have this fabulous new playground behind the (elementary) school gifted by the Young family."
Elementary school students and staff voted for their favorite of five gingerbread houses by dropping a coin, or sometimes a dollar bill, inside a jar placed in front of each house.
Five teams of third- through fifth-grade students in the school's after-school program had 40 minutes to construct a house using only graham crackers, a pastry bag full of icing, and candy. Once the creation was finished, an even bigger challenge awaited the teams — transporting the house to the display table.
The blue team — whose members included Lydia Sweetser, Katrina Tuck, Yana Nash, McKenzie Beaton, David Warde, Gracie Sweetser, Thomas Beaton and Heidi Warde — named their tasty holiday home "The Patio" after they were unsuccessful moving it to the judging area in the school's main lobby.
However, the partial structural collapse appears to have only made the house more popular.
"It looks like the Blue Team may be the winner," Andersen said Tuesday. "I have yet to count (all the coins), but the box is stuffed. Very little of the original structure was left standing, but the students at Rockport Elementary School have shown their compassion by voting for the underdog."
All the money will be donated to the playground fund, set up in honor of Amelia Grace Young, who passed away a couple of years ago after a tragic accident at home.
Amelia's parents, Scott and Julie Young, brought their daughter who suffered from Angelman syndrome, to the elementary school playground on a regular basis. There wasn't much she could do by herself, but she thoroughly enjoyed the swings — the constant breeze consistently brought an infectious smile to her face.
Following their daughter's death in December 2006, the Youngs decided to donate the fully handicap-accessible playground to the school as a way of thanking the school district "for all the support given to Amelia".
The playground, known as "Amelia Grace Place," was built behind the elementary school in November and opened earlier this month.
"When it's really cold out, usually the kids don't like going out for recess, but there were out there today (Tuesday) and there was a shout when outside recess was announced," Andersen said. "I think it's because they are so happy about the new playground, they don't mind the bitter cold."
Andersen said the gingerbread house "Iron Chef" competition was so popular, organizers are already planning for a second annual event next year.
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
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