2024 CUIMC Gingerbread House Competition
Back by popular demand, we’re thrilled to announce the 2024 CUIMC Gingerbread House Competition! Aimed to promote team building and spread holiday cheer, all CUIMC employees are invited to participate in a friendly, team-based gingerbread house competition. The deadline to register is Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Please carefully read the information below if you’re eager to throw your hat in the ring.
Competing structures will be displayed at the CUIMC Employee Appreciation Holiday Tea & Toy Drive event on Tuesday, December 10. Competition winners (first, second, and third place) will be announced at approximately 4:30 p.m. In addition to valiant bragging rights, winning teams will be featured on the CUIMC website as well as the CUIMC Weekly Update.
Ready to Join the Challenge?
1. Form your team and determine the category in which you'll compete
Teams must consist of at least four members and be comprised of CUIMC employees. While we encourage departmental team building, teams are not required to represent or be from the same administrative unit or department.
2. Designate a primary and secondary contact person for your team
Think of these designated individuals as your fearless leaders. They will receive all competition-related communication from us so that you don’t have to!
3. Determine your foundation (gingerbread kit preference)
Complimentary gingerbread house kits will be available, while supplies last, to teams who indicate interest via their team registration form.
Learn more about what’s in the kit and permitted materials in the Competition FAQs below.
4. You’re ready to enter – time to make it official!
Submit your team registration form no later than November 26. Only one form per team is required.
5. Mark Tuesday, December 10 on your calendar
This is the finish line, where all your team’s hard work pays off.
8-10 a.m. – Drop-off window for completed entries at 50 Haven Avenue Ballroom
3-6 p.m. – CUIMC Employee Appreciation Holiday Tea & Toy Drive
~4:30 p.m. – Leadership to announce competition winners
Learn more about drop-off day in the Competition FAQs below.
6. Capture the fun
The journey is always half the fun and we want to revel in it with you! Snap photos during your team’s building experience – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and please send them to us at cumc_event_office@cumc.columbia.edu.
Competition FAQs
What are the competition categories?
- Best representation of the work you do and/or function at CUIMC
- Best classic gingerbread house/structure
What supplies will be provided to participating teams?
A limited number of complimentary gingerbread house kits will be available, while supplies last, to teams who indicate interest in receiving one on their registration form.
Kits will include:
- Pre-cut pieces to construct a house (walls, roof, etc.)
- Assembly instructions
- One bag of white icing (to use for adhesive, decorating, etc.)
Kits will not include:
- Imagination and creativity
- A platform for your structure (required)
- Additional items for decoration
Can we use non-edible materials for our creation?
Yes, non-edible items are permitted for both constructing and decorating; HOWEVER, these should complement your design, rather than dominate it. We highly encourage your structure to maintain the appearance of being primarily constructed of edible materials.
Note: Although we retain referring to this as a “Gingerbread House Competition,” this is merely because ‘Gingerbread Structure Competition’ doesn’t hit the ear quite as nicely. That is to say, your creation does not necessarily have to be a house or even a building. Let your creativity take over and build anything that motivates you.
How does the judging process work?
Structures will be judged in their respective categories using a weighted matrix, scored by independent judges.
What are the contest prizes?
This is a friendly competition awarding recognition/bragging rights only to first, second, and third place, in each category. Winners will also be published on the CUIMC website and mentioned in the CUIMC Weekly Update.
My team is going all-out, and our structure is going to be huge/intricate/delicate/etc.; can we drop it off early to avoid potential damage?
Completed structures must be dropped off on December 10 between 8-10 a.m. at 50 Haven Avenue in the downstairs ballroom. Unfortunately, we do not have access to the venue prior to then so we are unable to accommodate early drop-offs. However, on drop-off day, teams are welcome to bring any necessary materials (hot glue guns, etc.) to make final touches and/or repairs on-site, ensuring your creations are ready for display!
Can students participate in the competition?
Yes, students may participate so long as they are part of a CUIMC employee-based team – i.e., there cannot be a team that consists only of students.
I’m not interested in joining the competition, is there another way to get involved?
Yes! All CUIMC employees are invited to view the display of competing gingerbread houses at the CUIMC Employee Appreciation Holiday Tea & Toy Drive on December 10 from 3-6 p.m.
If I still have questions, who can I contact?
Feel free to reach out the CUIMC Events Office at cumc_event_office@cumc.columbia.edu.