12/19/2025
A heartfelt thank you for supporting the 3rd Annual Gingerbread House Event
Four years ago, I wanted to come up with an idea to add to the Germantown Winter Glow. What could be more fitting than a gingerbread house event? The Germantown Central School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) agreed to help. We decided to make it a fundraiser for GCS Giving, a program run through the PTSA that helps students in the school district, as determined by the school social workers. Funds raised are used throughout the year for gifts through the Holiday Giving Program, support for families who have a sudden loss of income, emergency clothing needs, field trip fees, summer camp registration fees, extracurricular activities, sports equipment, school pictures, and yearbooks.
2023 was our first year, and we had no idea what to expect. But the school and community really came through! The gingerbread creations were amazing and the support was wonderful. We ended up raising over $2,500.
Last year, the gingerbread houses were once again incredible, but the fundraising was not as successful. Despite the effort shown by everyone, we raised less than the first year.
This year, I debated whether to continue the event, but one Germantown resident turned it around for me by giving a very generous early donation, which was matched by his company! The community’s generosity for the 2025 event has been overwhelming. We are still in the process of receiving donations, but we can safely say we raised over $8,000. The adult entries sold out and raised more than $2,000. Pamela Murphy, a Hinkein Realty agent, single-handedly raised $2,000.
A special shout-out to the school’s CAP program and Janet Crawford for decorating gingerbread houses with students each year. The Firehouse has been wonderful by providing event space.
To the participants, thank you for your efforts. Without you, there would be no event! Be patient with us as we figure out ways to improve the process.
We all know this was a hard year with many very worthwhile nonprofit organizations out there. Thank you for supporting children in our local community.
Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday Season.
Patty