Scrumptious sweets converged in competition at Fellowship Community's first-ever Cupcake War event.

Inspired by the hit Food Network series, the Cupcake War was organized as a fun event for the employees, giving them an opportunity to reveal their hidden talents and win cash prizes.

The contest featured two separate competitions allowing staff to showcase both their design creativity and talent for taste. In addition to the judged contests, a Cupcake Bake Sale was organized as a fundraiser for the Employee Perks Fund.

"It was a wonderful and delicious day filled with excitement, laughter, and generous giving to a great cause," said Bob Zentz, president and CEO of Fellowship Community.

The Employee Perks Committee holds a variety of fundraising events throughout the year to raise money to help assist staff members dealing with various types of adversity, according to committee members Lorie Hysick and Tammy Marushak, who organized the Cupcake War. In the past, the Employee Perks Fund has been used to assist and support Fellowship staff members with financial hardships or unexpected catastrophic expenses. The fund has also been used as a goodwill resource for staff struggling to purchase Christmas gifts for their children.

"Our dedicated and hardworking employees are the reason why we're rated as a five-star Continuing Care Retirement Community in the Lehigh Valley," said Zentz. "The Employee Perks Fund is vital because in addition to offering financial support, it sponsors a variety of events throughout the year providing our staff with well-deserved fun."

The Cupcake War was a smash hit in terms of spreading joy on campus. More than 20 colorful and creative entries were submitted.

The best decorated cupcake contest was voted on and chosen by employees, and Liz Bringhurst's strawberry-lemon creation came out on top. Second place went to Jocelyn Cherry's chocolate-covered strawberry cupcake and Kelly Blickley's apple cinnamon strudel cupcake took third.

The overall competition, which was based on decoration, flavor and consistency, was critiqued by a hand-chosen panel of judges including Dean Stortz, Fellowship chaplain.

The group gave top honors to Leslie Golub's innovative barbecue creation, which featured cupcakes designed as corn on the cob and a hamburger. Two-time winner Kelly Blickley took second place with her apple cinnamon strudel and Brenda Kametz's strawberry swirl with cream cheese icing placed third.