2012 FAQ

When is the party?
Sunday May 6, from 2pm to 5pm.

Where is the party?
400 East 85th Street, Apartment 9D. This is on the southeast corner of 85th Street and First Avenue.

This is a fundraiser?
Yes, this year I am raising money for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, one of the nation's leading cancer hospitals.

How do I donate?
Simply click on this link:  http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/Events/GivingSite?pxfid=20030&fr_id=1590&pg=fund , which takes you to my fundraising page. Your donation goes directly to MSKCC, which will send you a receipt right away, avoiding any awkward exchange of money with me, waiting for checks, etc. They're a 501(c)(3), so your donation is fully tax-deductible. And while, in many other respects, cash is king, it makes getting you the tax deduction much more complicated. Checks? Yep, they’re fine, too.

Did you say my donation is fully tax-deductible?
Yes, because you receive nothing of material value in exchange. Apparently, the IRS doesn't consider my pies to me of any material value (shakes head in disbelief).

So how much should I give?
As much as you feel comfortable giving.

That's really vague, Christopher.
I am suggesting that you each give $10. I'm suggesting this the way the Metropolitan Museum of Art suggests that you give $20 for admission. Not strictly speaking a barrier to entry, but a nice gesture.

For your pies (and to fight cancer) I would gladly give more! Should I donate more than $10?
You are too kind! In that case, I would suggest that you sponsor a pie.

How much does it cost to sponsor a pie?
After consulting with my inner math geek, I decided on $31.42. Which is approximately ten times pi. Geddit?

What do I get for sponsoring a pie?
Pay attention, as this is different from previous years, when I put your name on the pie and you got to take home the leftovers. At my Mom’s suggestion, this year I’m offering you the option of having me bake you a pie all for yourself, at a time and place we can arrange before or after the party. I'll still put your name in bold on the program (note to self: make programs for this party). Of course, you can still just sponsor a pie at the party and take home leftovers. Either way, you get to eat pie. And you may thank my Mom in person.

Can I pick which pie to sponsor?
Sure! Why not? And because of the option of getting your pie later, more than one person can sponsor the same kind of pie. No fighting as to who gets to sponsor my pecan pie. Because there was some disappointment last year. And if you're not sure what kind of pie you might want to sponsor - and who can blame you, there are so many! - you can scroll through the blog and see what pies I've baked in the past.

So, tell me more about Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Gladly. Here's some language they provided:

As one of the nation’s premier cancer centers, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) is committed to exceptional patient care, leading-edge research, and superb educational programs. The close collaboration between its physicians and scientists is one of the Center’s unique strengths. Such collaborations enable MSKCC to provide patients with the best care available today as they work to discover more effective strategies to prevent, control, and ultimately cure cancer in the future.


On a personal note, I'd also add that Sloan-Kettering is where my Mom's colon cancer was treated so successfully. Thanks, Sloan-Kettering!

Finally, are you sure that pies would be against cancer, if only they had the power of speech?
I most certainly am.