Andover, June 2, 2014 - Surrounded by a moat with a lurking moat monster, accessible only by bridge, stands the Tower of Yumdon. Not to be confused with its inspiration, the Tower of London, Yumdon stands roughly three feet tall and has walls of cupcake deliciousness.
The cupcake tower was featured at American Training’s Celebrate Good Times Gala at the Andover Country Club on May 16 and is expected to stand again at the organization’s 17th annual LIFE Matters Awards Gala this fall.
The London-themed event featured 4EverFab, a local Beatles tribute band, visits from favorite characters like Harry Potter, James Bond, the Queen, Austin Powers, Elton John and the Spice Girls, and music from NRG Entertainment, who kept the dance floor busy all night.
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At the center of it all were the delicious treats made by Rudy’s Catering and Confections, currently operating out of Haverhill.
Allison Smith, a Program Director for American Training, came up with the idea of a display for the baked goods after watching the Food Networks’ Cupcake Wars.
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“As Part of American Training’s WOW Philosophy, I was trying to think of something that would leave a lasting and memorable impression,” she said. “A cupcake brings a smile to anybody’s face and I thought the display would add to the effect.”
Smith worked along with Ed Marshall, a Job Coach and Skills Instructor for American Training’s StarWorks program, to come up with the idea for the Tower of Yumdon. Marshall, known for his project construction prowess, then took over, building the display with his own creative touches, including a moat monster and a stone bridge.
Marshall said the entire display, which held over 200 cupcakes, was constructed primarily of plastic, wood, and stone.
“It was a very special night and I’m glad our Guests understand that we did all we could to make it very, very special,” Marshall said.
“I was pleased with the way it turned out,” he said of the tower. “People gathered around it and took pictures. There was a lot of excitement and big smiling faces.”
Smith agreed. “The cupcake display turned out to be above and beyond my expectations! It was hard to visualize Ed's plan entirely, but once I saw all the pieces come together--from the craftsmanship of the tower to the Union Jack cupcake liners, to the London themed toppers and colorful cupcake frosting, it surely resembled a display right from Cupcake Wars,” she said.
While Marshall built the display, Smith created finishing touches, like the themed toppers, and sought the perfect cupcake, finding everything she wanted in Rudy’s. Janice Maramaldi, owner and President of the catering company, offered a tasty cupcake at a good price for the nonprofit.
“I thought the display was amazing,” said Maramaldi. “It was inventive and original and I was so happy to see our product so proudly displayed in the Tower of Yumdon.”
The tower wowed many, as did the cupcakes.
“The cupcakes were delicious. They were so soft and sweet,” said Smith.
“The cupcakes were absolutely wonderful and the display was definitely a WOW,” said Jodi Howshan, a Gala attendee and the organization’s Director of Professional Development.
“I thought the tower was unbelievable and the cupcakes were delicious,” said fellow attendee and Asst. Director of Specialized Housing for American Training Hiedi Keefer.
Maramaldi, who has worked in the food service and catering industry for many years, opened Rudy’s in Haverhill about a year ago and is looking to move her storefront to Plaistow, N.H. soon, while continuing to serve the local community.
“It’s always been something I like to do,” she said of making food. “It’s directly linked to my heritage, I’m full Italian on both sides.
“I love to make people happy and coming from an Italian heritage, food is love.”
She said her cupcakes are a huge hit right now and she’s happy the Gala attendees enjoyed them.
“Guests definitely enjoyed seeing all the cupcakes displayed so creatively, and they were even more thrilled to take a cupcake home with them right from the tower at the end of the night. Overall, the display was a crowd pleaser and ultimately a big WOW,” said Smith.
“A big reason I do this for a living is because of the reactions I get from people when they eat something they absolutely love,” said Maramaldi. “My heart and soul is in my cooking, so when people truly enjoy what we make for them, it's an extremely satisfying feeling.”
The Tower of Yumdon will again be on display at American Training’s annual 17th LIFE Matters Awards Gala this October.
“I was proud to serve American Training and look forward to serving them again,” said Maramaldi. “Companies like these are a true asset to our community.”
Find out more about American Training at AmericanTrainingInc.com. To find out more about Rudy’s, go to rudyscateringcompany.com.
