May 2018
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November 12, 2015
Ankeny Bakery Teams Up with Local Softball Players On Fundraising Efforts
Ankeny, IA – Jay's Cookies, an Ankeny-based cookie bakery, has teamed up with a local sports club to help with their fundraising efforts. The Ankeny Riot girls' softball team partnered with bakery owner Jay Jacobson over the weekend to raise money to cover their spring tournament fees.
“It's nice to have an opportunity to help these hardworking girls,” explained Jacobson. “I remember trying to balance fundraising with school and practice when I was their age, and I'm glad I was able to help them out.”
Jacobson noted that the girls and their parents spent about an hour assembling and labeling nearly 400 boxes for his online business. “They are such hard workers. They accomplished in an hour what would have taken me at least half a day to do by myself,” he observed. “Of course, it probably helped that I promised them cookies as soon as they finished.”
Many of the Ankeny Riot teammates have been playing together informally for over three years. Last year was their first official year as a team, led by coaches Eric and Angie Lorenz. The USSSA league club competes in a series of tournaments throughout the spring and fall, which can be both costly and time-consuming.
Stephanie Smith, mother of nine-year-old team member Addison Smith, estimates that the team played over 50 games in just under two months during their fall season. “It is so important for the girls that we have local businesses that are willing to partner with us in fundraising,” she explained, noting that partnerships with local businesses like Jay's Cookies make it possible for the girls to continue competing.
The Ankeny Riot players work with several local businesses on their fundraising efforts. The girls and their parents will be partnering with Jay's Cookies again later this month, offering door-to-door cookie sales just in time for the holidays.
In November 2013, Jay Jacobson, owner and founder of Jay's Cookies, began his internet-order baking company based out of his Ankeny, IA, kitchen. In just under two years, the company has grown from a small, mom-and-pop shop to a fully-licensed commercial kitchen that ships cookies all over the country. Visit them (and try some of their delicious cookies) at jayscookies.net.
2015 Iowa State Fair
Deloris Jacobson Memorial Cookie Baking Contest Winners
Michael Kephart of Carlisle won first place and a $100 cash award in the men’s division of the Deloris Jacobson Memorial Men’s Cookie Baking competition judged Friday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.
Jacob Van Patten of Indianola earned second place and a $50 cash reward. James Petersen of Knoxville claimed third place and a $25 cash reward.
In the boy’s division, ages 5-10, Dayton Mortvedt of Lynnville won first place and a $25 cash reward. Joseph Ridgway of Johnston received second place.
All contestants were asked to present six drop style cookies to judges who critiqued on taste, texture, general appearance, and creativity.
The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 228 divisions, 850 classes and over 10,600 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Wells Blue Bunny.
A special thank you to the celebrity judges:
Eddie Hatfild - KJJY Radio
Kyle Munson - Des Moines Register
Sabrina Ahmed - ABC-TV5
Shelly Jacobson - Jay's Cookies.
Voted Favorite Cookie!
Jay's Cookies was recently voted Attendee's Favorite at the 2015 Living History Farms Sweets and Spirits Event in March!
Joe Piscopo of "Saturday Night Live," Loves Jay's Cookies!
Check out this clip from March 25,
2015's "The Answer Show."