Though it did not bake a single pie or other treat, the United Way of Tompkins County was the big winner in the second annual Apple Bake-off, held Nov. 9 at the Cornell Orchards Store.

The event raised $979 and attracted a field of 20 participants, whose apple-based creations vied for bragging rights in the contest.

Credit: Lindsay France/Cornell University

The duo of Jillian Goldfarb, assistant professor of biological and environmental engineering, and doctoral student Zoe Pollard, a member of Goldfarb’s lab, took first prize in the Judge’s Pick category for their entry, La Pomme Patisserie. It was Goldfarb’s second victory in as many years; Pollard finished second last year.

In the People’s Choice category, the winner was Joanna Alario, the graduate field coordinator in the Department of Communication in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, for her Apple Pie Sourdough.

Runner-up in both divisions was Zoe Dubrow, doctoral student in plant pathology and plant-microbe biology, for her Trio of Truffles.

“This weekend’s Apple Bake-off was just one more way to have a great time and enjoy the fall season with some delicious desserts,” said Cornell United Way campaign co-chair Pat Wynn, assistant vice president for Student and Campus Life. “We were happy to be able to keep the event free so all families could participate in the activities, and the competition itself provided a fundraising opportunity.”

The annual “Pack Lynah Rink” women’s hockey game also supported the United Way. The Nov. 2 game featuring nationally ranked teams Cornell and Princeton attracted a crowd of 1,476 and raised approximately $200; an additional donation of more than $1,400 – $1 for each fan in attendance – was raised thanks to the generosity of the William Henry Miller Inn and other anonymous donors.

“Our annual women’s hockey fundraiser has become a huge hit, attracting new community members to see fantastic hockey for what may be the first time, and reminding longtime hockey fans of the work that we can support through the United Way,” Wynn said. “I was very gratified this fall that the new owners of the William Henry Miller Inn agreed to continue the enormous generosity that we enjoyed thanks to the inn’s original owner.”

Other United Way fundraising events this fall:

• Facilities and Campus Services Chili Cook-off and Dessert Bake-off – Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Humphreys Service Building, 639 Dryden Road. Staff from FCS compete for the championship; the Cornell community is welcome: The cost is $5 for chili tastings and $5 for dessert tastings. This year’s cook-off will be held in conjunction with the seventh annual FCS United Way Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., also in the Humphreys building.
• Winterfest – Dec. 13, 3-5 p.m. in the Willard Straight Memorial Room. More details to come, but expect food, entertainment, music and a great way to end a Friday afternoon. All are welcome.

Overall, the Cornell United Way campaign is at $245,451.15, nearly a third of the way to its goal of $750,000. The Cornell United Way campaign – which began Sept. 26 – typically provides about 40% of the United Way of Tompkins County’s annual campaign funding.

Credit: Cornell United Way

“Cornell staff and faculty have stepped up in a big way the last several years to help make the United Way campaign a success,” Wynn said. “We know that the people our pledges help each year, through the many community partners supported by the United Way of Tompkins County, are literally our neighbors and our friends.”

Tax-deductible gifts to the campaign can be made online, through payroll deduction or by writing a check. Visit the Cornell United Way website for more information. To volunteer to help the Cornell United Way campaign in the coming weeks, email campus United Way coordinator Susan Riley. The formal campaign ends Dec. 31.