Art of Dessert supports food bank, meal programs

Holiday cards now available, with proceeds to feed those in need

Susan Thompson purchases some Christmas cards featuring artwork by Jan Browning from Lise Wither, office administrator with the Sudbury Food Bank, at the Art of Dessert fundraiser on Thursday. Photo by Jim Moodie/Sudbury Star

Colourful cupcakes and tantalizing tarts were set out on long tables, along with paintings, crafts and holiday cards featuring local artwork.

The focus, though, was on assisting those for whom a simple meal is hard to come by, and Christmas more a time of challenge than one of cheer.

“This evening is about helping people who are hungry,” said Dan Xilon, executive director of the Sudbury Food Bank. “And everything you are doing is helping.”

art of dessert — Volunteer Sue Paquette oversees a table of cupcakes provided by Guilty Pleasures Bakeshop at the Art of Dessert event, in support of the Sudbury Food Bank. Photo by Jim Moodie/Sudbury Star

Scores of people turned out for the Art of the Dessert fundraiser, held at the Sudbury Food Bank warehouse, sampling treats and sipping wine, while also purchasing Christmas cards that translate into meals for those in need.

“We have 11 different Christmas cards this year,” said Pilon. “The front of each is the work of a local artist, and every sponsor is a local sponsor.”

He said the cards represent a “two-times-giving gift,” as the recipients will appreciate the greeting, while the proceeds will support eating.

“The cards are purchased for $5 each and that $5 goes immediately to purchase holiday meals,” said Xilon, whether it’s through the Blue Door Soup Kitchen, Elgin Street Mission, Salvation Army or the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth. “It’s rather important, for sure. In my case, I probably get three turkey dinners a Christmas, but these people are just getting one.”

Artists and photographers contributing their work to the cards this year include Debra Lynn Ireland, Sue Lampinen, Debbie McKay, Marie Vaillant, Perry Solidity, Astrid Colton, Gig Laurin, Tiana Wither, Jan Browning and Helen Townend.

Card sponsors include Backyard Birder, UFCW Locals 175 and 633, Journal Printing, Delta Bingo and Gaming, Cambrian College, WAT Supplies, Huntington University, Glencore Sudbury Integrated Mining Operations and the Lougheed Foundation.

Laurie Bissonnette, chair of the Art of Dessert Committee, congratulated the many businesses and individuals who made the annual fundraiser a success once again.

“Thank you all for coming out to feed Sudbury’s hungry,” she said. “And all the incredible volunteers, people serving food and drink. It’s just been fantastic.”

She said the night would not be possible without main sponsor Manitoulin Transport, the various businesses hosting different challenges and events, and the eight or more restaurants and bakeries that contributed such wonderful desserts.

“I want to thank the sponsors who all made life so easy for us,” she said. “When you call, they just say, ‘I’m back.’ There’s no begging, you don’t have any of that to worry about.”

The evening included a cake bake-off, pie competition, silent auction, mash potato bar, cookie challenge and more.

Last year’s Christmas/Holiday Card Campaign generated more than $90,000 to help feed the hungry people of Sudbury.

The cards come in English, French and bilingual versions, and if an individual or business purchases five or more cards, they are eligible for a charitable receipt.

The selection can be viewed on the Sudbury Food Bank website at www.sudburyfoodbank.ca.

For more information, or questions with regard to ordering cards, you can contact the food bank office at 705-671-9663 or email