Bakers sought for bakeoff fundraiser to benefit Leechburg library
Calling all bakers.
Organizers from the Leechburg Public Library are seeking bakers of all ages and skill levels for the annual Spaghetti Dinner and Bakeoff fundraiser on Saturday.
The dine-in dinner will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. in Marconi Club’s Mirror Ballroom in Leechburg.
Spaghetti, salad and bread will be served along with drinks from a cash bar.
Doreen Smeal, library board treasurer and volunteer, said funds raised will be used to purchase two laptop computers for the library.
The library does not have any computers available for patron use, as the two laptops previously available to the public are broken.
Organizers are hopeful the event will raise enough to cover the replacement cost, which is about $1,600.
“Whatever we get will certainly help. The library relies on donations from the public,” Smeal said.
Last year’s dinner raised a little over $1,000.
In 2019, the fundraiser made $2,714.
The bakeoff was canceled last year because of the pandemic.
Two finalists will be chosen from each baking category, including cookies/brownies, cake/cheesecake and pies.
Participants are asked to drop off their baked entry at noon Saturday at the Marconi Club.
Cash awards will include $75 for first place and $25 for second place.
Library clerk Patti Klasnick said part of the library’s mission is to offer public access to computers.
“Many of our patrons use computers to enhance their businesses, job search, resume writing and continued education,” Klasnick said. “Having access to public computers is vital to our patrons and the community we serve.”
Bakeoff participants are asked to pre-register by calling the library at 724-236-0080, but registration is not required.
“We welcome all bakers. If you think you can bake, come on in,” Smeal said.
Judges for the bakeoff are Leechburg Area High School football coach Randy Walters, girls volleyball coach Eve Hebrank and athletic director Andre Carter.
Criteria for judging will include taste and presentation.
Players from the high school football team will volunteer during the event to serve and clean up.
Tickets are available at the Leechburg Public Library and Coco Coffeehouse, both on Market Street in downtown Leechburg.
Takeout will not be available.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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