The Love of Linda Cancer Fund, Inc. helps cancer patients in Cape May County by defraying the costs of their ancillary expenses. Although most of the money is raised through community events, a unique fundraising opportunity presented itself a few years ago and continues to contribute to Love of Linda’s fundraising efforts.
Back in 2008, Linda’s daughter, Christa Grassi, and Love of Linda President, Amy Mahon, were discussing how Linda loved trying different recipes, especially ones shared by her mother-in-law, Molly Grassi. Christa mentioned that not all of her mother’s recipes were written down, and the two agreed that this was a common problem among households. So, to preserve different family recipes, the idea of a Love of Linda cookbook was born. Christa and Amy decided to extend the creation process to other Cape May County residents, including cancer patients. They thought it would be a great way to raise money and incorporate patients into the process. They also sent requests to local restaurants to include a recipe in the book.
“We wanted this to be a hands-on project not just for committee members, but also Cape May County residents, restaurants and so on. We received recipes from former cancer patients we’ve helped in the past, families who have lost loved ones to cancer, and supportive members of the community,” says Christa in the foreword of the cookbook.
In 2009, the cookbook was complete and ready for sale with a compilation of 150 favorite recipes from area cancer patients, survivors, residents and restaurants. The cookbook contains a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers, soups, salads, side dishes, main dishes, desserts and more, as well as helpful cooking hints at the beginning of each section.
Sara Bachman of Rio Grande is a contributor to the Love of Linda cookbook and an avid supporter of the Love of Linda Cancer Fund. Love of Linda means a lot to Sara for many reasons – Sara taught with Linda at Glenwood Avenue Elementary School, and Linda taught Sara’s children; also, although Sara was not diagnosed with cancer herself, her mother passed from breast cancer.
Although Love of Linda has not helped Sara in a financial way, it benefits her by giving her a place to donate to a cause that’s close to her heart, as well as social involvement. She always chooses to donate to Love of Linda over other cancer funds, and participates in Love of Linda’s fundraising efforts as much as possible. Sara even mentioned Love of Linda in her mother’s memorial when she passed, resulting in numerous donations and a lift in Sara’s spirits. She was happy to help others battle what took her mother’s life.
Sara contributed a pumpkin bread recipe to the cookbook, a recipe she often makes for all of her friends and family around the holidays. She chose to contribute this recipe specifically because it’s her best recipe and her favorite, and what better way to share it with others.
In total, Love of Linda raised $4,370 from the sales of cookbooks and continues to sell cookbooks at events, through word of mouth and online.
The cost of each cookbook is $10 + $3.50 for shipping if purchasing online. If you would like to order a cookbook, please visit loveoflinda.org/contribute.
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
