As many of you know, this past Saturday I (aka Kudos Kookies) participated in my first ever Great American Bake Sale to benefit Share Our Strength to end childhood hunger in America. This sale was sponsored and organized by the vast and caring food blogging community and took place in roughly 20 states across the country. I was and am proud and pleased to have been a small part of this wonderful event in my state of Illinois and I especially want to thank Maris Callahan of http://ingoodtasteblog.net for contacting me to become involved .
The Chicagoland bloggers combined were very successful in our efforts. Together we managed to raise a whopping $885 to help end childhood hunger. How wonderful is that??? Here are a few pictures from the day:
The venue was located at: SMASH CAKE 2961 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago Tracy Vazques is the new owner of this awesome facility and graciously opened her doors and her heart for the day.
The bakers for the day were as follows (not all are pictured): Jackie Kolber (Foodie Reflections), Jessi Langsen (To Kiss The Cook), Laura Swiatkowski (Arrange The Day), Allie Osmar (Avei Photo), Dave Capretto (Spicy Sammich), Angie Trigilio (Angilio), Stephanie Callahan (Steph Eats Chicago), Maris Callahan (In Good Taste), Alyssa Simons (Interior Bakerator), Bethany Park (Bridezilla Bakes), Caroline M. Supatarapron, Rebecca Carlson (A Homemaker’s Habitat), Kelly Alesso (The Pink Apron), Michelle Olsen (Hey Sugar), Tracy Vazques (Smash Cake and SugarBeez), Megan Lane, Mari Luangrath (Foiled Cupcakes) and Renee Goerger (Kudos Kookies)
The above photo is courtesy of Allie Osmar of Avei Photo. It’s a wonderful picture of all the hand painted designs we had donated for the day!
Thanks again to Avei Photo for this picture of me by my display of cookies. It’s rare that I come across a photo of me that I like but Allie managed to capture a good one. Kudos to you Allie 
As I draw to a close, I need to mention what a wonderful day this was for me and how fun it was to meet fellow food bloggers and friends I have met through twitter and facebook. Not only did we succeed in raising a great deal of money for a very worthy cause but we managed to combine our efforts and make the world a little bit sweeter.
Before I end, I have to put out a disclaimer. I realize that my linking abilities (or lack there of) leave a lot to be desired. I do what I can in that department and try my hardest to post a relatively decent blog. That being said, I appreciate your stopping by, reading what I have to say and viewing my food photos (such as they are) with a generous spirit. What I lack in those areas, I hope that my Kudos Kookies taste and design make up for in heart. That is my wish anyway.
Fondly yours, Renee
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I love that picture of you…and your cookies are beautiful, as usual.
Hi, Renee! So glad that this was a success! Great blog recap (totally great!) Next time, I hope we get a chance to actually meet in person and connect. Your cookies are gorgeous!
What a wonderful group of women and I applaud your efforts as I do all the people who came together for this worthwhile cause. Extremely well done!
p.s. your blog goes well beyond “decent” Renee, like your cookies it is fabulous!
Thank you Allie. So are your photos!!!
Glad you liked the photos! Great meeting you at the bake sale – again, your cookies were absolutely stunning.