🍫 The Chocolate Rye Cookie: Rye’s “Cookie with a Cause” Debuts at Wainwright House’s Gingerbread Showcase

Something extra sweet is coming to Wainwright House’s Gingerbread Showcase — and it’s more than just the icing on the gingerbread!

At the Opening Celebration on Saturday, November 29 at 4 p.m., Rye Mayor Josh Cohn will officially declare the Chocolate Rye Cookie as the Official Cookie of Rye, NY. Created by Culinary Instructor Melanie Underwood of Nourish & Gather, this deeply flavorful cookie is more than a delicious treat — it’s a cookie with a cause.

The Chocolate Rye Cookie was developed to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research through the national nonprofit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Thanks to Melanie’s creativity and generosity, Rye now joins the ranks of cities with their own signature cookies — from New York City’s iconic Black-and-White Cookie to Boston’s Chocolate Chip Cookie — and celebrates one that makes a difference.

🍪 A Sweet Celebration with Purpose

During the Opening Event, Melanie will host a live demonstration on how to make the Chocolate Rye Cookie, offering guests a chance to see her artistry in action. Attendees will enjoy fresh samples of the cookie and learn more about its inspiring mission to support children’s cancer research.

Adding to the excitement, FinaMill — whose innovative spice grinder helped inspire the cookie’s creation — has generously donated a FinaMill Spice Grinder Gift Set that will be raffled off to one lucky attendee during the kickoff celebration. It’s a fun, flavorful way to celebrate creativity, community, and compassion — all in one bite.

🇮🇹 Taste of Calabria with Sotto Il Sole

The showcase’s Naming Sponsor, Sotto Il Sole, will bring the warmth and richness of southern Italy to Wainwright House. Known for its exquisite farm-to-table products from Calabria, Sotto Il Sole offers extra virgin olive oils, artisanal vinegars, gourmet condiments, and sun-dried fruits and vegetables — all crafted from the fertile lands of this celebrated Italian region.

Guests will be able to sample many of these fine foods at the Kickoff Celebration and other events throughout the Gingerbread Showcase. These products make perfect holiday gifts or hostess presents, and will be available for purchase at Wainwright House. In the true spirit of giving, Sotto Il Sole will donate 15% of all event sales back to Wainwright House to support its mission of community enrichment and joy.

🎄 A Festive Experience for All

The Opening Celebration will also feature the spectacular Gingerbread Showcase — a display of stunning, edible architecture crafted by local bakers — and plenty of family-friendly holiday fun. Guests will enjoy refreshments, seasonal music, and the chance to capture memories with the life-sized gingerbread photo display donated by Christmas in America, a cherished event sponsor.

To make the celebration even brighter, attendees will receive a QR code for 25% off purchases at Christmas In America Mt. Vernon store, a perfect opportunity to add a little extra sparkle to the season.

🎟 Registration and Details

Space is limited for this exciting kickoff, and registration is required for all events during the Gingerbread Showcase. Wainwright House requests a suggested $10 donation for the Opening Celebration to help support its community programs and partnerships like Feeding Westchester.

The Gingerbread Showcase runs November 29–December 12, 2025, at Wainwright House, 260 Stuyvesant Avenue in Rye, NY.

For registration and the full event schedule, visit www.wainwright.org/gingerbreadshowcase.

✨ Join the Celebration

Wainwright House invites the community to kick off the holiday season with sweetness, generosity, and joy. From the Official Cookie of Rye to Calabrian holiday flavors, gingerbread masterpieces, and a chance to win a FinaMill Spice Grinder Gift Set, this event has something for everyone to savor.

Celebrate creativity. Support a cause. And enjoy the spirit of the season at Wainwright House’s Gingerbread Showcase Opening Celebration!