A Decade of Decadent Desserts

By Andra Moss

How is your naughty versus nice rating? Those needing to influence Santa with an especially impressive treat should grab their stockings and head to the Norfolk Historical Society (NHS) for the 10th Annual Cake Auction on Saturday, Dec. 7.    

Now a Norfolk holiday tradition, the event was first suggested by then-board member Eileen Fitzgibbons. She mentioned that the Sharon Historical Society did a cake auction and suggested that the group try one. Fitzgibbons recalls presenting the concept as “not that difficult—you get a few great bakers involved, and people will love it.” It was a hit. The first weekend in December has since become a delicious way to kick off the holiday season. 

Norfolk has a deep bench of talented bakers. Walter Godlewski, who outdoes himself each year with showstopping cakes, says that he “has to laugh each time Barry [Webber] asks me to participate in the NHS auction because, truth be told, I don’t care for cake.” He does, however, love a challenge. Godlewski, who keeps an eye out for recipes all year, says he “loves to compete—both against myself to make the prettiest, tastiest cake I can…and, in a fun and friendly way, against a group of remarkable bakers to see who can raise the most money for such a worthy cause.”  

This year’s stable of worthy baking contenders includes Tom Hlas, who brings his full artistic prowess to bear on a multi-layered work bound in buttercream. Jill Chase’s famous lemon drizzle cake returns by popular demand and Caryn Trager continues her reign as queen of confections. 

Alyson Thomson has refined her traditional Christmas cake over 50 years’ worth of family celebrations. The recipe, she says, calls for “lots of spices and dried fruits—raisins, currants, sultanas and cherries—which are soaked in brandy the day before I make the cake.” Additional brandy, fed through holes in the base, gives her cakes their signature moistness.  

A new offering this year, Kathy Robb’s “Tom Cruise” cake, will add a slice of sizzle, while a Turi Rostad one-of-a-kind painting always takes the cake. 

Lest one think the evening couldn’t get any sweeter, Valerie Nelson and Bevan Ramsey will up the collective sugar high with “small bakes” to get the evening’s silent auction, led once again by auctioneer à la mode, John Fernandez, started at a level anyone with a chocolate coin or two can afford.   

“I am constantly amazed how this event has morphed into such a popular attraction,” says Barry Webber, executive director of the society. “The first sale ten years ago brought in a few thousand dollars, which at the time seemed like a fun and easy way to hold a fundraiser.”  

In those early days, Webber recalls, it was exciting when a cake sold for $50. These days, he says, cakes bring an average of $200-$400. Of course, Webber is quick to note, “This isn’t about the value of the cake, but the value of the work NHS brings to our community. We have found that Norfolkians have big and generous hearts when it comes to supporting things in our town.” They also appreciate a great cake.

Tickets for the event are $25 at the door on Dec. 7. It begins at 5:30 p.m., and includes a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats. Bidding begins at 6 p.m., sharp.