Publisher's Desk: A Recipe for Artistic Fund-raising -- Is Your Organization Hungry for Some Extra Dough?

Ok, granted creating a cookbook with recipes contributed by your members may be too much work for some art leagues and organizations to produce. However, since 2004 Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek, WI has issued a benefit cookbook whose proceeds support the lives of local children and beyond. Filled with gorgeous original artwork and the back stories of these recipe favorites, this cookbook is unique and fun to browse. Plus, these family-friendly recipes sound fail-safe and time-tested.

This cookbook project has whipped up some impressive sales. For instance, the gallery's first two benefit cookbooks -- issued in 2004 and 2009 -- quickly sold out and together raised over $225,000 for nonprofit organizations that the gallery wanted to support. All proceeds from the latest 256-page rendition (retailed at $25) -- An Artist's Food for Joy -- are given to nonprofits that enrich the lives of children -- not only in Door County -- but throughout the State of Wisconsin and the world beyond.

The cookbook categories include Breakfasts & Breads, Appetizers & Drinks, Soups & Stews, Salads, Sides & Sauces, Entrees, Desserts, and Cookies & Bars.

Castle-Pierce Printing Company in Oshkosh, WI, and other generous donors covered the paper, printing and binding costs involved in its production. Because of them, its full purchase price can be given to nonprofit organizations benefitting children.

I can't wait to try several of the recipe gems I discovered in this cookbook, and if you're organization is looking for a project that has an ongoing shelf life, this idea offer your group some food for thought!

Thanks for reading this week's issue. Please continue sending us your art news, announcements and celebrations! -- Lynne Kornecki, Publisher