H2Ope for Haiti – the prizes

After the terrible earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January this year I, like many people, felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the disaster.  But a first-hand account from a friend who had flown a relief flight to Haiti after the quake provided the impetus to push me into action and not stand idly by as others suffered.

H2Ope for Haiti is an online raffle that I am launching today together with BloggerAid – Changing the Face of Famine (BA-CFF) to raise funds for Concern Worldwide’s relief effort in Haiti.   We selected Concern Worldwide because of its long track record and quick response after the quake to provide clean drinking water and water purification tablets.  This non-governmental international humanitarian organisation founded in 1968 works around the world to reduce suffering and work towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries.  Concern International has been working in Haiti since 1994 and had over 100 staff members on the ground when the earthquake struck.  Despite losing several team members in the tragedy, they have been quick to act with distribution of supplies.

Concern Worldwide estimates that its initial response to the emergency will last at least six months.  The money raised by this raffle will be paid directly into Concern Worldwide’s account by Justgiving and will be used exclusively for the Haiti relief effort.

Below you will find the list of all the wonderful prizes from our generous donors – from personally autographed cookbooks to parcels of French baking goodies to original art – there is something for everyone.  Unless stated otherwise, all prizes are available for worldwide shipping and tickets cost £6.50 (roughly $10) each.  Once you have chosen the prize or prizes you want to buy tickets for, take a note of their prize codes (very important!) and click through to our Justgiving donations page where you will find complete instructions on how to buy your tickets and specify your chosen prizes.  Please read and follow the instructions carefully and e-mail me (emailcooksister AT googlemail DOT com) if you have any questions.

And now… on to the prizes.  You have until midnight GMT on Sunday 28 February 7 March- happy bidding!

A Silpat silicone baking mat, The Omnivore’s Dilemma (young readers’ edition) and Slow Food Nation
Donated by Valerie of A Canadian Foodie

Valerie’s prize comprises a Silpat commercial size 16.5″ x 24.5″ non-stick food grade silicone mat (can be cut to size to fit domestic ovens) which never needs greasing, makes cleanup a breeze and can withstand temperatures from -40F to 480F. In addition she has included Michael Pollan’s Omnivore’s Dilemma for Kids, a shortened version of his original book aimed at making teenagers aware of where their food comes from; and Carlo Petrini’s classic Slow Food Nation which explores the lessons we can learn from native peoples who are producing their own food without the harmful farming practice and GM crops which we have been led to believe are necessary.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH01

500 Food Journeys of a Lifetime – 500 Extraordinary Places to eat Around the Globe
Donated by Jeanne of CookSister!

A beautiful National Geographic hardcover coffee table book featuring the best of the edible best from all over the globe: Tokyo’s freshest sushi; the spiciest Creole favorites in New Orleans; the finest vintages of the great French wineries; the juiciest cuts of beef in Argentina; and much, much more, from sophisticated dishes of fabled chefs and five-star restaurants, to simple side-street cafés that cater to local people, and the classic specialties that give each region a distinctive flavor.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH02

Matted 8×10 photographic print “Desert Bloom” by Jon Dwyer
Donated by Katie of Paved with Good Intentions

Jon Dwyer is a San Diego artist who is part of the Spanish Village Arts Center, where his work is featured.  In this photo of a delicate cactus bloom, he brings across the message that in nature, beauty can also come from adversity. Even flowers can bloom in a harsh environment – if given the water necessary for survival. (Please note that the watermark only appears on the digital version – your prize will be watermark free!)  PRIZE CODE:  HFH03

Signed copy of The Everything Cookies and Brownies Cookbook by Marye Audet
Donated by Marye of Baking Delights

The Everything Cookies and Brownies Cookbook is packed with recipes for cookies, brownies, and bars. Written in Marye’s easy to understand, conversational style, this book is perfect for everyone from the experienced baker to someone just starting out.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH04

Pair of hand-painted Mughal miniature paintings (20cm x 10 cm each) done by artists from the princely state of Rajasthan in India
Donated by Deeba of Passionate About Baking

Mughal painting is a particular style of South Asian painting, generally confined to miniatures either as book illustrations or as single works to be kept in albums, which emerged from Persian miniature painting and developed in from the 16th century onwards. They feature stylized imagery in rich draped figures with a blend of Indian and Persian styles, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage. Some other themes revolve around love scenes, Mughal Royal courts and the battle fields in gold and stone colors. Mughal miniature paintings are still being created today by a small number of artists in Rajasthan concentrated mainly in Jaipur. The skills needed to produce these modern versions of Mughal miniatures are still passed on from generation to generation. The paintings reflect the painstaking efforts of skill and talents exhibited by Indian artisans, and are acclaimed worldwide.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH05

Customized canvas tote bag
Donated by Jenn and Robert of The Foodie Blogroll

This 100% cotton heavyweight canvas tote bag has plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go, such as side and bottom gussets and extra long reinforced handles for easy carrying. It is machine washable and measures 15″ x 18″ x 6″.  The winner’s blog logo or any logo of their choice (such as The Foodie Blogroll logo or the H2Ope for Haiti logo) will be printed on the bag. (The pictured bag with the Foodie Blogroll logo is for demonstration purposes only). PRIZE CODE:  HFH06

Signed copy of Nicole Stich’s Delicious Days cookbook
Donated by Nicole of Delicious Days

With her blog listed as one of Time Magazine’s Top 50 blogs, it comes as no surprise that the Nicole’s Delicious Days cookbook is beautifully styled, beautifully photographed and packed with intriguing but achievable recipes.  Choose from Earl Grey tuilles; coffee pannacotta; colourful vegetable quiche; tipsy duck breast on roasted root vegetables; pears in a saffron-vanilla syrup; or apple and Gorgonzola risotto.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH07

Set of 10 greeting cards featuring original Lucullian Delights photos
Donated by Ilva of Lucullian Delights

Ilva is renowned not only for her mouth-watering food photographs, but also for her beautiful Italian landscape photos and her meticulous eye for details.  She also held a solo gallery exhibition of her work in 2008.  The cards are 4″x6″, blank inside for your personal message, and come with their own envelopes.  Each card contains one of the images illustrated on the collage above.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH08

Understanding Close-Up Photography by Bryan Peterson
Donated by Barbara of Winos and Foodies

Photographer Bryan Peterson will show you how to photograph subjects, from animals and plants to objects found in the kitchen, supermarket, even the junkyard. The book covers information on equipment, exposure, light, and composition, and features elements of technique that go beyond the norm, teaching you to shoot not just what is generally considered close-up, but to go even closer to the point of abstraction.  It is a must for any keen amateur photographer.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH09

Signed copies of Eat my Globe and Eating for Britain by Simon Majumdar
Donated by Simon of Dos Hermanos

After twenty years in a well paid publishing career, Simon Majumdar had a mid-life crisis, quit his job and headed off around the world to “go everywhere, eat everything”. It was a journey which took hm to over thirty countries in a little over a year and saw his stare down everything from boiled sheep’s head in Iceland to the best meal of his life in The Philippines. The result was Eat my Globe.  In Simon’s next adventure, Eating for Britain, he sets out to discover what would be the perfect day’s eating in the UK, from the moment he woke up to a full cooked breakfast to the moment he drifts off to sleep with the last lingering taste of a glass of Scotch on his tongue. In between he makes Black Pudding in Bury, cooks in London’s oldest kitchen, spends seven hours vomiting off the coast of Cromer, and eats a macaroni & cheese pie… so you don’t have to.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH10

4GB blue Apple iPod Shuffle, engraved with the H2Ope for Haiti logo
Donated by Angela of Spinach Tiger

The Apple iPod Shuffle is the world’s smallest and arguably most stylish music player, yet it still manages to hold 1000 songs. Made from durable anodised aluminium with a stainless steel clip for attaching to your bag or clothing, it is a must-have for anyone who likes music on the move. In addition, your iPod Shuffle will be engraved with the H2Ope for Haiti logo. (Please note that you need a computer with a USB connection and iTunes software, available as a free download, for the Shuffle to work.) PRIZE CODE:  HFH11

A copy of the Momofuku cookbook by David Chang and Peter Meehan
Donated by Susan of Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy

Fill your home with flowers, whatever the season, with a set of five magnificent floral photographic prints from the talented Mowie Kay – the perfect addition to any stylish home.  These colourful 12″x16″ prints will be printed on high-quality photographic paper and matted before being posted to the winner.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH25

A copy of Ottolenghi: The Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi
Donated by Bethany of Dirty Kitchen Secrets

Ottolenghi is one of the most iconic and dynamic restaurants in the country. Its unique blend of exquisite, fresh food, abundantly presented in a cutting-edge, elegant environment, has imaginatively redefined people’s dining expectations.  Yotam and Sami’s inventive yet simple dishes are inspired by their respective childhoods in West and East Jerusalem but rest on numerous other culinary traditions, ranging from North Africa to Lebanon, Italy and California.  The 140 original recipes cover everything from accomplished meat and fish main courses, through to many healthy and quick salads and suppers, plus Ottolenghi’s famous and delectable cakes and breads.  This painstakingly designed book, lavishly photographed book offers the timeless qualities of a cookery classic.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH26

Luxury gift package of French baking ingredients
Donated by Jamie of Life’s a Feast

Amazed at and envious of the unusual and tantalizing goodies and baking ingredients that are available in France? Jamie has filled her shopping basket with a wonderful assortment of very French, intriguingly exotic baking ingredients that can start you on your way to creating a bounty of spectacular desserts!  This box includes:
Strawberry Mint Sugar (Quai Sud)
Blueberry Hibiscus Sugar (Quai Sud)
(Unrefined/Brown) Sugar with Penja Pepper (Terre Exotique)
Sweetened Vanilla Chestnut Cream (Clément Faugier)
Chocolate Balsamic Glaze (Balsamusse)
Sweetened Cocoa Powder with Orange (Quai Sud)
Spiced Dark Chocolate with Tonka Beans (Zaabär)
3 bars of chocolate by Confiseur Mazet:
Dark Chocolate with Orange & Cloves
Dark Chocolate with Ginger
Dark Chocolate with Grapefruit
Nestlé Milk Chocolate with Caramel for Baking/Pastry
Local Sea Salt from Noirmoutier in a Lighthouse Shaker
PRIZE CODE:  HFH27

£200 worth of Virgin vouchers
Donated by Mowie of Mowielicious

Feel like treating yourself but the recession just hasn’t left you with enough cash for life’s little luxuries?  Then this is the prize for you.  Mowie will post the winner £200 worth of Virgin vouchers which can be spent at a number of places around the UK, including restaurants such as Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, lunch or dinner cruises on the Bateaux London, spa days, Virgin holiday cruises, Virgin Atlantic airlines, and theatre tokens (full list of options available here).  Please note that these vouchers expire on 30 April 2010 and MUST be redeemed before then. PRIZE CODE:  HFH28

A piece of handmade Care Wear jewellery of your choice
Donated by Giz of Equal Opportunity Kitchen

Care Ware jewellery gives new meaning to the phrase “beauty with a purpose”.  Care Wear uses a mix of Swarovski crystal, Czech crystal, pearls, semi precious stones and healing stones to create awareness jewellery and supports 12 worldwide charities. The winner of this prize may choose any design from our collections in support of H2Ope for Haiti.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH29

A pair of traditional garden gnomes
Donated by Marion of Words and Weigh

Greet visitors to your garden with these charming and traditional “wood-cut” effect gnomes, named Duke and Daisy, from Terrapin Trading.   Made of durable polyresin and painted with UV inhibitor paints, these are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.  High quality and made with care, they would make a whimsical addition to your garden or a wonderful gift!  Will only ship to Canada and USA.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH30

A signed copy of A Year in My Kitchen by Skye Gingell
Donated by Johanna of The Passionate Cook

Skye Gingell is best known as being the talent behind the wonderful and well-loved Petersham Nurseries, a rustic cafe-restaurant situated in a series of greenhouses at a riverside nursery in Richmond, London, where you eat surrounded by plants and gorgeous household accessories.  Her food is simple but exquisitely well prepared and presented., and A Year in my Kitchen follows that theme, focusing on choosing fresh seasonal produce and preparing it with flair and individuality. It will excite and inspire you and – put the passion back into your cooking.  It is lavishly illustrated and is the next best thing to a trip to Petersham Nurseries for a meal.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH31

A copy of Pie by Ken Haedrich
Donated by Bunny of Bunny’s Warm Oven

At 640 pages and nearly two inches thick, Pie is surely in contention for the title of the biggest book with the shortest possible title.  After devoting the first 60 pages to general basics and the making and shaping of the perfect pie crust (there are 21 crust recipes!), author Ken Haedrich will lead you through fruit pies, berry pies, nut pies, custard pies, turnovers, ice cream pies, and more. With around 300 recpies, this is the book for anybody seeking pie enlightenment. PRIZE CODE:   HFH32

500g of Pierre Marcolini Belgian chocolates
Dontated by Kate of Serendipity

This is the chocolate that Belgians fight over.  Internationally renowned master chocolatier Pierre Marcolini pushes the envelope with his chocolates. Each one is a work of art and simply sublime. One critic said: “Placing a Pierre Marcolini creation into your mouth is an experience that often borders on the Absolute. The sometimes-audacious balance of flavours may astonish at first, but then it gradually comes to the fore so that we are surprised that we did not think of it sooner.”  The prize consists of just over a pound of Marcolini’s fine belgian chocolates.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH33

500g of Jean-Philippe Darcis Belgian chocolates
Dontated by Kate of Serendipity

Jean-Philippe Darcis is an award-winning chocolatier, in the great Belgian tradition. His chocolates balance perfectly the complex flavors he uses. They are subtle, sparkling, elegant. Already well known in international chocolate competitions, Darcis is the favorite to be the next Belgian Chocolate star! The prize consists of just over a pound of Darcis’s fine Belgian chocolates.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH34

A $50 shopping spree at CSN Stores.com
Donated by Arlette of Phoenician Gourmet

CNS Stores.com is a network of over 200 online stores stocking everything from shoes, bags, homewear, toys and garden equipment, to all the kitchen and baking essentials that you could wish for, from baking sheets to appliances.  Arlene’s prize consists of a $50 shopping spree to be used at any CSN.com store – select an item or items totalling just $50, or treat yourself to something larger and pay in the difference – the choice is yours!  Please note that free shipping is only available to the USA and Canada.  PRIZE CODE:  HFH35
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE DONATION PAGE AND BUY A TICKET!