Sweet Partnership Continues
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit and the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester are joining together to offer gingerbread “bricks,” delectable desserts and a chance to build up the community by constructing an extra-large Christmastime treat. This sweet partnership supports the nonprofit’s annual Red Kettle Campaign.
An incredible giant gingerbread house will be built in the Royal Park Hotel’s grand lobby, featuring an opportunity to contribute to The Salvation Army’s 2014 Red Kettle Campaign. Visitors can sponsor a gingerbread “brick” on the house for a minimum $10 donation. Gingerbread “bricks” will be sold at the hotel’s front desk through Dec. 31 and supporters will receive a special certificate of recognition.
The Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles will be found throughout the hotel, and proceeds from the dessert menu – featuring pumpkin cheesecake, decadent dark chocolate cheesecake, green caramel apple mousse, mixed berry blossom and chocolate spice cake – will be donated to help those in need throughout northern Oakland County. Desserts will be available for purchase at the hotel’s restaurants, The Brookshire and Elliott’s Lounge, Nov. 12-Dec. 31.
The Making of the Giant Gingerbread House
The impressive eight foot tall gingerbread house was designed by the Royal Park Hotel pastry chef, Chef Mark Slessor. This year’s giant cookie structure brings a nostalgic air of a Christmas from yesteryear surrounded by vintage toys with details in shades of soft blue, yellow and burgundy. With a “stone” chimney and frosty windows, the gingerbread house brings to life a cozy cabin in a snowy yuletide painting, adorned with classic Christmas decorations – green garland, holly leaves, poinsettias and chocolate candles. The one-of-a-kind house even features a specially-designed Salvation Army shield, made entirely of candy. A team of 10 people worked 200 man hours to create the sweet structure, on display through Jan. 4, 2015.
Ingredients to create the giant gingerbread house included:
- 220 cups of sugar
- 300 pounds of gingerbread mix
- 110 cups of powdered sugar
- 90 gallons of water
- 240 eggs
- 300 pounds of holiday candy
- 400 candy canes
- 10 gallons of fondant
House Unveiled at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Royal Park Hotel hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 12 to unveil the scrumptious creation. A quartet from The Salvation Army Brass Band set the tone by playing Christmas favorites, and Rochester Mayor Jeffrey Cuthbertson, Downtown Development Authority Director Kristi Trevarrow and Honorable Lisa L. Asadoorian were among the dignitaries who attended the event.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Royal Park Hotel has chosen to support the charitable efforts of The Salvation Army during the Christmas season to provide much-needed assistance to local families.
“The Salvation Army is grateful for the continued generosity and support of the Royal Park Hotel, especially during Christmastime when there is so much need,” said Major Mark Anderson, general secretary and Metro Detroit area commander of The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “We are proud to partner with an organization so committed to the northern Oakland County community.”
The Salvation Army and Royal Park Hotel Social Media Contest
The luxury hotel is also participating in a Rochester/Rochester Hills community-based social media contest. Supporters are encouraged to take part in the #ShareTheMostGood social media contest by posting a photo with their Royal Park Hotel dessert or “brick” certificate on Facebook or Instagram. Photo submissions should be captioned, “This is what GIVING looks like,” and include #ShareTheMostGood and tag @RoyalParkHotel for a chance to win one of three grand prizes: a one-night stay and breakfast for two at the Royal Park Hotel; a $150 gift card to the Village of Rochester Hills; or a behind-the-scenes tour of historic Meadow Brook Hall.
Funds raised through gingerbread house “bricks” and dessert sales will help The Salvation Army reach its 2014 Red Kettle Campaign goal of $9 million to support those in need throughout metro Detroit. To make a tax deductible contribution to The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign:
o Visit www.salmich.org
o Text “SALMICH” to 71777 to donate via mobile phone
o Call 877-SAL-MICH
o Send a check or money order, made payable to The Salvation Army, to: 16130 Northland Dr., Southfield, MI 48075
These funds enable The Salvation Army to provide food, shelter and vital human services to children and adults, not only during the holiday season, but year-round.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization that gives hope to people in need without discrimination. The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit allocates $.85 of every dollar it raises to delivering vital social services and programs through more than 100 locations across southeast Michigan. Last year, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit helped provide 3,377,846 meals and 807,418 nights of shelter to neighbors in need. As the single largest provider of social services in Michigan, outside of state government, The Salvation Army also gives hope through emergency, legal aid, counseling, character-building and recreational assistance. Join The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit in giving hope this holiday season by donating at www.salmich.org or 877-SAL-MICH.
About the Royal Park Hotel
The Royal Park Hotel is located 30 minutes north of Detroit. The AAA four-diamond hotel is within walking distance from downtown Rochester, home of the Big, Bright, Light Show. Featuring 143 uniquely designed guest rooms and suites; relaxed and understated elegance is the specialty of the house. With event space accommodating up to 1,200 guests, the Royal Park Hotel is the ideal setting for corporate meetings, romantic weddings, intimate receptions and gathering with family and friends. For more information, contact Sue Keels at 248-453-8709 or visit www.royalparkhotel.net.