Senior Beat
by Carol Higgins Taylor
Special to The Weekly
Colorful confections will once again be lined up around Westgate Center, Union St., Bangor, with
their peaks of frosting standing at attention, hoping to win the Cupcake Battles, a fundraiser for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
If you missed the fun any of the last three years, now is your chance to take part. Put on your
favorite apron or get your wallet ready, because Cupcake Battles 2015, will be on Friday, May 1 at Westgate Center for Rehabilitation and Alzheimer’s Care.
Along with your apron, grab your thinking cap and lucky spoon (doesn’t every cook have one?) and start planning your award worthy cupcakes for this fun May Day contest.
“This event has been growing every year. Our residents and the community love to see the
creative designs and enjoy our judging panel, including local media guests.” said Kristie Miner, director of admissions and marketing at Westgate. “The shopping can also become competitive, with a line of buyers forming in the lobby, hoping to bring home a good variety to do their own judging.”
This delicious fundraiser is a culinary way for the Westgate’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team to
raise much needed funds. There will be trophies presented to the cupcake receiving recognition for Best Overall and Most Creative Design.
“We’d love to have bakers join us with their creations because it is really a great way for people
to showcase cooking skills plus it is for a really great cause,” said Miner. “We also invite the public to come in and view the cupcakes and purchase their favorites.”
The cupcakes are all as different as the bakers who made them. Some bakers focus on the decorations and use a standard flavored cupcake while others are focused on developing unique and pleasing flavors, added Miner, remembering the baker who used Bailey’s Irish Cream in her cupcake.
Entries may be submitted up until noon and the judging begins at 1:30 p.m. At 2 p.m., the cupcakes will go up for sale.
The Cupcake Battles are just one more way to raise awareness and money for the 2015 Maine
Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will take place at eight locations from York Beach to Fort Kent this September and October.
“Our statewide goal for the eight walks is to raise a record $742,000 while bringing together 4,690 participants of all ages and abilities in the fight against Alzheimer’s,” said Miner.
So just where will this money go?
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the money this year will allow the Maine Chapter to
provide services such as a 24/7 helpline, care consultation, support groups, information and education, advocacy, safety services and more, to all Mainers affected by memory disorders. To learn more about these services, visit alz.org/maine or call 800-272-3900.
Having just celebrated its 27th year in operation, the Maine Chapter is the only statewide nonprofit agency dedicated solely to individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. More than 86 percent of the chapter’s revenue comes directly from individual contributions. Its services would not be possible without the generosity of dedicated community partners who are willing to work hard and even labor over a hot oven.
For contest rules, or more information, call Miner at Westgate Center for Rehabilitation and
Alzheimer’s Care, at 942-7336. Then, dust off your cupcake tins and have at it.
If you are looking to purchase some of these delectable treats but are having pangs of guilt given
the caloric content, I have always lived by the notion that food bought to support a worthy cause is calorie free. The good deed factor and all. Enjoy.
Carol Higgins Taylor is an advocate for seniors and owns Bryant Street Public Relations in Bangor. Email her at seniorbeat@gmail.com.