Blintzapalooza Delivers Donations through Jewish Delicacies

blintzapalooza
Temple Beth Hatfiloh congregation members prepare for the annual Blintzapalooza bake sale. The event, held this year on March 30, benefits local non-profit organizations.
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By Alyssa Ramsfield

Puget Sound EnergyBintzapalooza delivers delicious Jewish foods, a gigantic used book sale, and an event intended on bringing our community even closer together.  The annual event, now in its 26th year, is slated for Sunday, March 30 at Temple Beth Hatfiloh in downtown Olympia.

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Temple Beth Hatfiloh congregation members prepare for the annual Blintzapalooza bake sale. The event, held this year on March 30, benefits local non-profit organizations.

“It’s really a great cultural event celebrating aspects of Jewish culture and giving back,” explains Rabbi Seth Goldstein of Temple Beth Hatfiloh. “I’ve been here for ten years and am really impressed with this event. It just seems to flow so well. Everyone involved has the same goal and works well together to achieve that goal.”

The idea behind Blintzapalooza is a strong one. “It’s all about giving back,” says Goldstein. “The congregation decided 26 years ago that they wanted to be more engaged in our community, to branch out and meet new people. This event has really developed over the years. It started as a small bagel bake sale and has grown into a huge gathering featuring baked goods and a used book sale.”

The money raised will be given to good causes throughout Thurston County. “This isn’t a fundraiser for our Temple. Instead, all of the money goes to charities in the area,” states Goldstein. “We usually more than $10,000 each year and we try to help as many organizations as we can. Since 1988, we have raised $125,000 for 30 different nonprofits.” Some of the charities receiving money from this year’s event will include TOGETHER – A Voices for Youth Program, Rosie’s Place, and Interfaith Works. Funds will also go toward the startup of Amahoro House, a new hospice for the homeless.

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A used book sale is also part of the event.

Raising money by selling Jewish delicacies is the goal of Blintzapalooza.  Blintz and bagel sales begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday and will continue until 2:00 p.m. in the Temple’s Social Hall. Along with these scrumptious items, there will also be a traditional bake-off. Contestants will be making rugelach, a fruit-filled pastry. Celebrity judges, such as The Olympian Publisher, George LeMasuier, Washington Congressman, Denny Heck, and Senior Communications Director for the Governor, David Postman, will select the winner.  Will Rabbi Seth retain his position as the top rugelach baker?

Blintzapalooza is also known for an enormous used book sale. Donated books are sorted by volunteers and sold to raise even more money for local organizations. Books are organized by genres and reading levels and begins 30 minutes before the baked goods sale.

“The one thing I love about Blintzapalooza, aside from the great food, is how it brings everyone together,” says Goldstein. “There is a line out the door of our home and we get to share it with so many people. It’s wonderful to circulate and visit with people from all over the area. It’s such an amazing energy!”

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Will Rabbi Seth Goldstein retain his title of top rugelach baker?

To be a part of this energy and to support local charities, check out Blintzapalooza on Sunday, March 30, 2014.

Blintzapalooza

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Used book sale – 9:30 a.m.

Baked goods sale – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Temple Beth Hatfiloh

201 8th Ave SE

Olympia, WA 98501

 

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