The 1000 Brownie Challenge – Accomplished!

Sometimes the best part of a major project is finishing it. Sometimes it’s what happens in the process and so it was with the “1,000 brownie challenge“.  My 11 year old grandson, Rivers, decided in July that he wanted to make 1000 brownies for “people who serve our community and for people who never get home baked goods.”  I thought it was an excellent community service project and promised to help him achieve his goal.

But 1000?  Wow, that’s a lot of brownies.  But once we began, we knew that there was nothing else to do except see it through.  We made the first couple of hundred and headed down to the Outreach and Advocacy Center, an organization that helps the homeless in Atlanta.  It was an amazing experience, both for me and for Rivers and his sister, Ellie (who deserves a great deal of recognition for her help in this project.) We handed out brownies and people received them saying things like “You have made my day!”  “This is the best thing that has happened to me all week!”

A brownie? The best thing that has happened all week?  It was an eye opener for Rivers and Ellie.

Another few batches went to different fire houses in the city.  The firemen (and women) were grateful for the brownies but even more grateful to be recognized for the work they do to keep us safe.

The next bunch of brownies went to the Women’s and Children’s shelter in Atlanta.  When the kids asked me how many people stayed there, I shrugged and guessed maybe 50?  When we delivered our small box of brownies, I was astounded to find out that 268 women and children call this wonderful organization home.

So, we returned home, inspired to finish the goal of making 1000, which would also mean that we could make two brownies for each of the residents at the shelter and yesterday we baked that 1017th brownie! The kids finally got to taste the fruits of their labors, eating a few of the extras.

We will put this last batch in the freezer and deliver them to the Shelter right before Thanksgiving and, hopefully, provide a little “love” for these women and children.

I’m super proud of Rivers for persevering and seeing this through to the end.  Perhaps the biggest lesson was in realizing that everyone can do something to help someone less fortunate.

I’m attaching Rivers Brownie recipe in the hopes that you, too, will spread a little love.  If you need some help – call Rivers, he’s an expert now!

Rivers “Snowflake” Brownies

• 1 stick of butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Mix eggs, vanilla and butter together.
2. Mix dry ingredients together.  Add to wet mixture.
3. Mix well and pour into 7″ x 9″ pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  Makes about 35 brownies.