The millions of New Yorkers who pass through or work near Grand Central Terminal better be hungry today: Food Network star Sandra Lee will hold what’s being billed as the world’s largest bake sale inside the terminal.
The bake sale will last from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. inside Vanderbilt Hall. And Lee isn’t the only famous face participating: Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich will also be co-hosting the event.
The bake sale is the brainchild of Lee, who is also live-in girlfriend to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Lee hopes to raise $50,000 from the sale, all to benefit the Food Bank of New York.
Ending hunger statewide has become a passionate issue for Lee, who herself grew up on food stamps. She personally donated $25,000 to bake-sale fundraising today.
“You can grab something sweet or you can grab dinner,” said Lee. “I think people really don’t realize the need of hungry people in this city.”
“We have people who have to choose between paying for food and paying their rent when they get their paycheck,” she continued. “Today, you can eat your lunch and feed other people with that same money.”
So will Gov. Cuomo be stopping by?
“No,” said Lee. “He doesn’t bake.”
The bake sale will feature goodies from such beloved New York eateries as Butter Lane, Fat Witch Bakery, Hill Country Chicken, Junior’s Restaurant, Magnolia Bakery, Milk & Cookies and Murray’s Cheese Shop.
Lend a hand!
Want to help? Here are ways to give back this spring:
» Now through April 22: What to do with your old shoes? Soles4Souls collects “gently worn” shoes. Drop off old shoes at the Community Christian Church at 145 W. 110th St.
» April 3: Nonprofit Best Buddies helps students with intellectual disabilities. Their second annual Best Buddies NYC Friendship Walk will be held this Sunday in Washington Square Park. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. in the park and there is no registration fee.
» April 5: Show up shoeless for a “sole” food dinner while barefoot, as part of the TOMS shoes global event, “One Day Without Shoes.” The event raises awareness of the need for shoes worldwide. The event will be held at Carlyle Court Residential Hall at 25 Union Square West.
Follow Carly Baldwin on Twitter at @CarlyatMetro.
