Yesterday, ICE hosted a very special class with the reigning Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella. The baking class raised funds for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a non-profit dedicated to raising funds for pediatric cancer research through bake sales.

Alyssa was named Miss USA in June 2011 and since then has been working as a spokeswoman for cancer education and research. In her free time, Alyssa also has a great love of cooking and baking. In fact you may have seen her competing on Rachael vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-Off earlier this year.

Yesterday, she combined her passion for food and her charitable work by teaming up with Gretchen Holt-Witt, who was inspired by her son Liam’s battle with cancer to create Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, and ICE Chef Instructor Melanie Underwood to lead a special holiday class filled with cookies, friends, and good times. Alyssa even brought her mom with her to class! More…

This year, you can join the reigning Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, for an exciting Valentine’s Day class at ICE that helps a very special cause.

Alyssa was named Miss USA in June 2011 and since then has been working as a spokeswoman for breast and ovarian cancer education, research and legislation — a platform that is close to her heart as it has personally affected a member of her family. In her free time, Alyssa also has a great love of cooking and baking and is enthusiastic about food. Earlier this January, Alyssa starred as one of the contestants on Rachael vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-Off (Did you catch our students in Episode 2?). Alyssa followed her interest in food into the kitchens at ICE to learn more, working with Chef Instructors Mike Schwartz and Anita Jacobson to master the culinary arts.

This Valentine’s Day, she will combine her passion for sweet treats and her charitable work by teaming up with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer founder Gretchen Holt-Witt to put those newly found skills to work in support of a good cause. Alyssa will host a one-of-a-kind cookie class with 100% of proceeds going to support pediatric cancer research. Whether you are planning a bake sale or simply looking to acquire some great cookie recipes for your personal repertoire, you will leave this class with new techniques — and the knowledge that you’re helping a good cause. More…