Buttertart Festival celebrates Canada’s gooey treat while raising funds for special needs programs

By Ewa Chwojo-Srawley

Butter tarts, butter tarts, melt in your mouth and melt hearts… 

Especially because proceeds from the event support the Peaceful Hearts Georgina Foundation, which provides day programing for special needs children, youth and young adults.

“We are growing,” said Karin Cacciola, the founder. “We are accepting new clients, and we are developing new programs.”  

Cacciola started the foundation shortly before the pandemic, and organizing fundraisers had its share of challenges.  

“Some businesses closed, and some people are still reluctant to go out; I didn’t know what to expect,” she said.

“But the community showed tremendous support and the sponsorship was spectacular. I am thrilled to see the crowd, and I feel we can finally expand and show what our foundation is all about.” 

Held at the Georgina Ice Palace on October 22, the 3rd Annual Buttertart Festival attracted vendors from as far as Sudbury and Midland. It was also exciting to see new local bakers.

Every ooey-gooey dessert aficionado could find a treat with their name on it.

Cy and Dan went for fancy coconut and cherry cheese tarts.

“All the tarts look delicious,” said Cy. “It was hard to choose. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.” 

Apart from bakers, other vendors were selling everything from crafts to spices.

Courtney Pinchin, a Peaceful Hearts program participant, sells self-designed T-shirts.

“I wanted to raise money for Ukrainian families,” she said. “So I started this little business. I also sell dog cookies, and part of the proceeds goes to the foundation.” 

Di Solitar who sells Canadian-made spices was amazed how well attended the event was.

“I surpassed my record for sales today! I feel like dancing!” 

The tarts were judged in two categories: professional and amateur.

First place in the Professional Baker category went to Birch Farms.

Isabella, who accepted the award and whose grandparents are expert bakers, helped with sales.

“I’ve never seen anything like it!” she remarked. “Tarts were flying off the table. We will be here next year for sure!” 

2nd place went to Sugar Bush Bakery; 3rd place to Sugar & Spice Bakery.

Amateur Baker winners were: 1st Pamela Sharp; 2nd Lynne Hansen; 3rd Cindy Clementson.

Karin Cacciola and her team put their hearts and souls into this mouthwatering event, and will be back next year to melt our hearts with butter tarts.

For more information on the Peaceful Hearts Georgina Foundation follow the link: https://peacefulhearts.ca/