Proceeds to Benefit Buckner Children and Family Services of Southeast Texas

(BEAUMONT, Texas) — Bidders are trying to vie for the best Gingerbread house at the McFaddin-Ward House Visitor Center in Beaumont. And now the winners have been announced.

First place went to Jennifer Weitzel. First Place in the student division and best of show also went to Jennifer Weitzel with “Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” Second place in the student division went to Jose Perales with “Gingerbread Hacienda.” And third place in the student division went to Sendi Gardner for “Garsen House.”

The competition was sponsored by the Golden Triangle Chapter of the Texas Chefs Association and the Lamar University Hospitality Program. Entries were judged by Nell McCallum-Morris, a Buckner trustee, Diane Dean with KBMT Channel 12, and Ashley Sanders, features editor for the Beaumont Enterprise.

“In this third year of the competition, we at Buckner are blessed again as the beneficiary of this live auction,” said Greg Eubanks, director/team leader for Buckner in Beaumont. “The work done by Lamar students and all entrants is amazing every year, and these gingerbread houses make great holiday decorations. They are truly works of art. ”

“We are so thankful to Chef Charles Duit and the Texas Chefs Association,” Eubanks said. “This auction will help to provide a better holiday for the children served at Buckner.”

All Gingerbread houses are being auctioned by silent auction to the highest bidder. Bidding will be open from 1p.m. - 4p.m. at the McFaddin-Ward House Visitor Center located at 1906 Calder Avenue at Third Street, Beaumont TX 77701. Bidding closes on Dec. 7 at 3:30 p.m. The winning bidder can pick up the house on Dec. 8 after 9:30 a.m.

All proceeds benefit Buckner Children and Family Services of Southeast Texas.