A Christmas tradition that was started to make the season a little brighter may result in a gift for Camp Goodtimes this year.
Pastry chef Laura Henigman lost her partner five years ago in April. In order to make the holidays a little easier, Henigman decided to start a new tradition — decorating gingerbread houses with her grandchildren and whatever other family members could attend.
“I needed a change to make Christmas OK,” she recalled.
Henigman made the gingerbread from scratch, and that first year her grandchildren, Zoe and Maya, along with many other family members and friends, put the candy in place.
Henigman then put the decorated house on display in her community. The tradition continued, and by year four, the house found a home at Wheatberries in Gibsons to help make the store look more festive.
This year Henigman will display the house at More Café in Gibsons, beside the Swallow’s Nest on the highway, and she will sell raffle tickets to award the house to one lucky ticket buyer.
Tickets are $1 each or $2 for three and all the proceeds will go to Camp Goodtimes, a summer camp for children with cancer and their families.
Henigman’s granddaughter Zoe, who has been helping with the houses since she was just three months old, was diagnosed with cancer in both her eyes before she turned one. She and her family have greatly benefitted from visiting Camp Goodtimes over the years.
“The first time they went I saw the benefits, particularly for my son. It was an opportunity for him to reach out and understand how to deal with it,” Henigman said.
The gingerbread house she created this year with some friends and granddaughters Zoe and Maya offers nearly four pounds of cookie and candy treats for one lucky winner.
If you would like to purchase a ticket stop by More Café weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or on the weekend from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The winner’s name will be drawn on Dec. 21.
