All proceeds directly benefitted family strengthening programs at the Broward County nonprofit
Photo Credit: Victoria Ashley Photos
(L to R) Nicole Mastrangelo; Erik Chafin, Chief Development Officer, Children’s Harbor; Iris Saleh; Tiffani Dhooge, President and CEO of Children’s Harbor; Alexa Rosario, Alexa Rosario Group, The Daily Drip; Nicasia Rosario, Christina Rosario
Fort Lauderdale, FL (December 18, 2024) – It is said that the most important ingredient of all is love- and that is exactly what was included at this year’s Gingerbread Wars 3 hosted by Alexa Rosario Group, The Daily Drip, Tower Club Fort Lauderdale, and Victoria Ashley Photos with proceeds benefitting the teens at Children’s Harbor. The friendly competition brought approximately 50 people together on Monday, December 2, at the Tower Club Fort Lauderdale for a chance to win the creative gingerbread competition and partake in goodwill.
Gingerbread Wars 3, in its third year, filled the room with lighthearted rivalry and banter, holiday music, photo opportunities with The Nutcracker, and a celebration of togetherness. Admission covered holiday-themed cocktails, snacks, a gingerbread house, and a candy decor buffet. Dressed in their favorite Christmas PJs, guests brought unique edible decorations to fit their preplanned gingerbread vision. Although it was a friendly competition, the one thing everyone came together on is their commitment to breaking cycles and changing the lives of the teens at Children's Harbor.
Gingerbread House Creation
"We had so much fun participating in Gingerbread Wars 3 and feeling all of the support in the room," said Tiffani Dhooge, President and CEO of Children's Harbor. "Everyone who showed up to build and decorate gingerbread houses came together to help for a reason so much bigger than themselves and we are so grateful to the attendees and hosts for choosing Children’s Harbor as the beneficiary."
(L to R) Chloe Schade, Julie Schade and Chief Operating Officer, Ana Gall, COO, Children’s Harbor
Guests were judged on their gingerbread houses' overall presentation, landscaping, and creativity. All participants were given approximately two hours to master their gingerbread houses before the judging began. Two people per house were permitted, with the most important rule being to have fun while making memories and an impact that will extend beyond the holiday season. The Gingerbread Wars 3 winners both received $100 Amazon gift cards and runners up won $50 Amazon gift cards.
Alexa Rosario giving attendees instructions for gingerbread making
The event was made possible by Alexa Rosario Group, The Daily Drip, Tower Club Fort Lauderdale, and Victoria Ashley Photos. With the belief that children should feel safe, that family is worth fighting for and that cycles can be broken, Children’s Harbor provides a harbor of hope and healing for children who have been impacted by the trauma of child abuse. Similar to the home Children's Harbor has created for many South Florida teens, the gingerbread houses that were created also represented hope.
To learn more about Children's Harbor and the difference they are making in the lives of children affected by trauma and abuse, please visit childrensharbor.org.
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About Children’s Harbor
Established in 1996, Children’s Harbor is a nationally accredited child welfare organization with a mission to help strengthen families who are struggling in our community, while providing safe shelter and support to teens in foster care so that they may grow into healthy, educated and productive adults.
With the belief that children should feel safe, that family is worth fighting for and that cycles can be broken, Children’s Harbor provides a harbor of hope and healing for children who have been impacted by the trauma of child abuse. The main campus in Pembroke Pines provides a supportive family environment for teenagers in foster care and their younger siblings. The family support services program prevents kids from coming into foster care by providing free in-home counseling and support to families who are struggling in the community. Additionally, Brown’s Harbor is a supportive housing community dedicated to serving young adults, aged 18-23, who have aged out of the foster care system. These young adults are provided with affordable housing and the wrap-around support and independent living programs necessary to help them overcome their trauma and navigate through the early stages of adulthood.
To learn more about Children's Harbor and the difference we are making in the lives of children affected by trauma and abuse, please visit childrensharbor.org.
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