Asheville, N.C.: A Heartfelt Tribute Through Gingerbread
Asheville, North Carolina, is once again a hub of creativity and community spirit this season, all thanks to the inspiring efforts of one dedicated wife. Barbara von Pagel is turning her love for philanthropy into a delightful holiday project named Gingerbread 4 Good in honor of her late husband. Each year, Barbara has found meaningful ways to celebrate her husband’s memory, and this year, she has decided to bring her mission of kindness to the picturesque mountains of Western North Carolina.
Remembering a Cherished Love
It’s been 11 years since Barbara lost her husband, and her annual tradition started as a heartfelt way to keep his spirit alive. Traditionally, Barbara creates a pay-it-forward chain or donates to a friend’s favorite charity back in their home state of Connecticut. But this year, she wanted to do something extra special and local, especially after hearing about the cancellation of the Omni Grove Park Inn’s famous “12 Days of Gingerbread” competition. This cancellation opened up a new opportunity for Barbara to spread joy through her own festive fundraiser.
A Sweet Idea Blooms
Inspired and determined, Barbara decided to organize her own gingerbread competition as part of the Gingerbread 4 Good initiative, partnering with a local organization known for its heartwarming community efforts: Beloved Asheville. “Now the fundraiser – part of it has started where people can make a donation to the GoFundMe and they will get a form to fill out to vote for their favorite gingerbread structure that’s in the competition,” von Pagel explained, beaming with excitement over the engaging and impactful concept.
Community Engagement and Support
This year’s Gingerbread 4 Good has blossomed into Barbara’s largest fundraising event to date! With a sincere goal of raising $5,000, every dollar raised will go to support local charities and spread the spirit of giving during the holiday season. Barbara has set up a GoFundMe page where individuals can contribute to the cause, reinforcing the idea that even small donations can lead to significant changes. “It’s about coming together as a community and sharing joy,” she noted.
How to Join in the Fun
If you’re interested in participating, you can make a donation through the GoFundMe page dedicated to Gingerbread 4 Good. Donors will receive a special form to cast their votes for their favorite gingerbread creations. This way, everyone can feel involved, whether by donating, voting, or simply spreading the word to friends and family. Barbara encourages everyone to visit the official Gingerbread 4 Good website for more details on how to donate and vote.
A Celebration of Giving
In a world that sometimes feels overwhelming, Barbara von Pagel’s Gingerbread 4 Good shines as a delightful reminder of the power of community and kindness. Through her work, she is not just honoring her late husband’s memory; she is actively bringing people together in a festive celebration of giving. This year, as we savor the sweetness of the season, we’re reminded that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect of positivity and joy. Cheers to Barbara’s efforts in Asheville as she leads the way to a heartwarming holiday.
