A steady stream of apple aficionados stopped by the Cornell Orchards Store Nov. 3 for Cornell’s first Apple Bake-off, bringing enough enthusiasm to prompt organizers to think about holding the event again next year, and raising $785 for the United Way of Tompkins County.

“Where in the world could you get a bicycle made out of balloons, taste 26 amazing apple treats, have a caramel apple snack, get your face painted, and sample coffee, teas, cider, cheeses, fudge and preserves from all around Cornell and Ithaca?” asked Pat Wynn, executive director of Campus Life Enterprise Services and co-chair of this year’s United Way campaign at Cornell. “I want to thank the faculty, students and staff members who submitted entries to the bake-off; retail supervisor Ryan Walker and Cornell Stores staff for organizing this event and donating the wonderful raffle items; and the Cornell United Way volunteers for making it run smoothly,” she said.

Jillian Goldfarb, assistant professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, won first place in both judges’ and people’s choice categories with “Two-bite Temptations,” an assortment of various bite-size creations. One of her graduate students, Zoe Pollard, won second place with “Grandma Merita’s Apple Pizza.”

The Cornell United Way Campaign began Sept. 26 and will run through the fall semester. It has raised more than $270,300, or 36 percent, of its goal of $750,000.

Visit the Cornell United Way website for more information or to pledge online.