The 26th Anniversary Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village benefiting JDRF Greater Northwest just wrapped up another successful holiday season thanks to thousands of visitors and donors.  The Sheraton Grand Seattle’s culinary team partnered with five local architecture firms and building associations, and five JDRF Elves to design, bake and build inventive gingerbread displays reflecting this year’s theme: “Welcome to Whoville”

With the Gingerbread Village Kick-Off in July, teams spent months planning, ordering supplies and hours constructing their gingerbread houses. The unveiling took place on November 19th, in the Sheraton Grand Seattle lobby, with help from the Park Christian High School Choir, Jesse Jones of KIRO 7, sponsors Aetna and Skanska, and a surprise visit from Santa and the Grinch.

Throughout November and January visitors had the opportunity to view the five Whoville Theme Gingerbread Houses in the Sheraton “village”. The five houses correlated with the beloved How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Starting with the lay of the land, visitors saw a birds-eye view of the Whoville Town and Mount Crumpit, created by Team MG2, Chef Joleen Anderson and JDRF Elf, Natalie.

Next up was the incredibly well-captured Grinch’s Lair, where one was able to see the inner workings of the Grinch and his loyal dog Max, created by CallisonRTKL and Hargis, Chef Lee Baldyga and JDRF Elf, Nora.

Delving into the plot, the next gingerbread house showed the Grinch stealing Christmas, with the mischievous Grinch hard at work in his sleigh and trusty sidekick, Max, created 4D Architects, Chef Jay Sardeson and JDRF Elf, Grace.

Progressing into the plot was the amazing presentation of the Whoville Christmas Celebration, with the Whos surrounded by the Christmas tree with their joy and love for Christmas, created by Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish & Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl Architecture, Chef David Mestl and JDRF Elf, Zane.

Last but absolutely not least was the tasty construction of the Whoville Feast, where Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Max and the Whos of Whoville find peace, created by Bailly & Bailly, Chef John Armstrong and JDRF Elf, Olive.

When all was said and done, Sheraton Grand Seattle and JDRF raised $99,891 with the proceeds going towards research and advancements for Type 1 Diabetes. We would like to thank the local community for their ongoing support of such a beloved Seattle based event, it was an amazing year. If you would like to support our wonderful Gingerbread Village teams you can donate online at gingerbreadvillage.org or mail in a check made out to JDRF to 1215 4th Ave, Ste 1100 Seattle, WA 98161.