California Firefighters Bake Their Way Into Third Annual Milk & Cookies Calendar, Now Available

September
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2005

Calendar Raised Nearly $20,000 for Families of Fallen Firefighters in First Two Years

(September 30, 2005) Firefighters are known for risking their lives to save others, but putting their kitchen skills on the line is another story. For 12 California firefighters the challenge was worth it; they earned a spot in the 2006 Milk & Cookies Calendar with their winning cookie recipes.

The third annual cookie recipe contest attracted firefighters statewide for the chance to star with their cookies in the calendar, which is available for purchase as of October 1. Proceeds from the calendar benefit the California Fire Foundation. These sweet confections, which have delighted firehouse and families alike, range from chewy Peach Almond Squares in June, whimsical Grandma Bert's Whirlygigs in October, and flaky Dutch Banket in December.

Milk and cookies go hand-in-hand, especially in California, the nation's #1 dairy state. In 2004, California produced 21 percent of the nation's milk supply. California dairy products exceeded the federal guidelines for calcium and protein, while providing other important nutrients including vitamin D, phosphorous, and riboflavin.

"As the nation's leader in the dairy industry, it's no surprise that California's own firefighters create such winning recipes using California dairy products," said Nancy Fletcher, VP, Communications for the California Milk Advisory Board.

All active California firefighters were eligible for the recipe contest, and each cookie recipe had to be an original creation that contains at least half a cup of butter. Close to 100 entries from across the state were received from March through May 2005. The winning recipes were judged based on taste, texture, visual appeal, and creativity by a panel of culinary and sponsor judges. As a tasty addition, each winner also earned a year's supply of ice cream for their stations, courtesy of California's dairy families.

The winners represent the following fire departments: Sacramento City, West Sacramento, Vallejo, San Francisco, Palo Alto, Merced, Arroyo Grande, Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County, CDF Riverside County, Orange County, and San Diego Federal.

The October release of the Milk & Cookies Calendar coincides with Fire Prevention Month and National Cookie Month. All proceeds from calendar sales will benefit the California Fire Foundation, a charitable organization committed to honoring fallen firefighters through the California Firefighters Memorial, as well as providing family and victim assistance programs, public education and awareness. Calendar sales raised nearly $20,000 in the first two years of the program; this is especially meaningful to firefighters who lost partners in the line of duty.

Calendars are $15 each, including shipping and handling. For more information, please visit www.RealCaliforniaCheese.com, or send a check or money order payable to the California Fire Foundation: Milk & Cookies Calendar, c/o California Fire Foundation, 1780 Creekside Oaks, Sacramento, CA 95833.