Friends of Adaire is once again partnering with Ramona Susan Bake Shop to spread the love this Valentine’s Day with something sweet.
Up until Feb. 13, the community is invited to send cookie grams via email that will be redeemable at the bakery at 1255 Marlborough St.
Friends of Adaire board member and fourth-grade parent Elizabeth Naylor, along with Trey Dodge and Kate Hughes, is managing the fundraiser.
“It was started last year by two other board members,” Naylor said. “They wanted the kids to have a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day together while online learning.”
For $5, participant’s fill out an online form specifying who should receive the Valentine e-card via email, which is then redeemable for this year’s special Cookie-Gram cookie.
Ramon Susan’s was quick to jump on board when approached last year.
“I thought it was such a cute idea,” said Betty Halpenny, one of the owners. “It reminded me of grade school when everyone gave each other Valentine’s cards with small treats attached to them.”
Knowing ahead of time they’d sponsor it again this year, Halpenny and co-owner Elly Monroe came up with a special treat exclusively for the Cookie-Gram.
“It is not available for in-store purchase,” Halpenny said. “It’s a large cookie, almost five inches across, with a sweet vanilla glaze and tiny heart sprinkles.”
For valentines who might need a vegan or gluten-free item, a substitution from the daily menu may be made, Halpenny added.
Along with special cookies, there’s another twist to the fundraiser this year.
The general public, outside of the school community can purchase the cookie grams.
“Allowing our customers to also purchase a cookie-gram was an idea of mine to help raise more money,” Halpenny said. “We have so many great customers. I’m hoping this increases the overall donations. If it goes well we will continue to make it a public option.”
“If it’s total chaos we may rethink things,” Halpenny added. “I’d also love to find a school near our other location who wants to run the same fundraiser next year.”
All proceeds from the cookie-grams sales go directly back to Friends of Adaire via online payment.
“The funds go to Friends of Adaire’s annual fund,” Naylor said. “Last year, our annual fund supported the music program.”
Ramona Susan’s donates all of the cookies gratis and simply receives a list of people who will be “cashing in” for a cookie.
“We are a small company with little financial resources,” Halpenny said. “The best way we are able to give back is through donations like the cookie-gram. Our favorite way to work with the neighborhood is to coordinate with the schools and associated groups.”
For Friends of Adaire, the love is mutual.
“It started mainly to boost moral, online schooling took away a lot of “normal” school things, like sending valentines,” Naylor said. “We love Ramona Susan’s. We love being able to highlight a local bakery, and all of the money all goes back to supporting the students.” ••
Preferred deadline to submit a cookie gram is Wednesday, Feb. 9, but cookie grams will be accepted until Sunday, Feb. 13 at 10 p.m. To purchase a Friends of Adaire Cookie Gram, visit bit.ly/AdaireValentine. Venmo payment should be submitted to @FriendsOfAdaire. A screenshot of Venmo payment should be emailed to friendsofadaire@gmail.com.
