Sure, the Buffalo Sabres have many talents - but do they know how to bake?

That's a question the children at Camp Good Days had hoped to answer on December 14th. Paul Gaustad, traded in his skates and pads for an apron and measuring cups to help the Camp Good Days kids bake holiday cookies.

Every year, the children of Camp Good Days bake cookies to give to some very special donors as holiday gifts. This year marked the second time Paul Gaustad chipped in to help bake.

"Each time I hang out with the Camp Good Days kids, I have such a great time!" he said prior to the event, "What better way to get into the holiday spirit then baking cookies with children who know how to get the most joy out of life?" Gaustad added with a smirk, how he was ready for "war," referring to 2007's "flour fight" with the Camp kids.

So, in the end, over 1,500 cookies were scooped, rolled, frosted and baked. A bag of flour ended up on Gaustad, the kids and counselors (from yet ANOTHER flour fight!) - and the answer to the initial question: Can hockey players bake?

We took this question to the experts: "um, well," started 7 year old camper, Shelby, from Gasport, "he knows how to throw flour really good." Well, there you have it folks. Paul, we are grateful for your help and hope to have you in the kitchen again in 2009 - but it's a good thing we have campers to do the hard work of baking!

A special thanks to Mr. Scott and everyone at St. Joe's High School for allowing us to use their cafeteria and kitchen for our bakers. Big hugs to all the counselors who slaved in the kitchen. ESPECIALLY Mike & Linda Spino!

Maybe you've heard Camp goes just a wee bit overboard with our "themed galas" - and well, it's true - but wait until you see what's in store for this year's event! The Gala to be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo, will also be celebrating Camp Good Days' 30th Anniversary!!

And this year's black-tie gala theme? Star Wars! Camp Good Days: A New Hope.

Indeed, the economy is tough right now - but kids who fight cancer every day are tougher. The Camp Good Days Gala raises funds to provide endless, exciting, year-round programs in Western New York, in addition to supporting the recreational facility located on Keuka Lake. Trips to fun places like Chuck E. Cheese & Darien Lake, costume parties, sporting & concert outings - the list goes on and on, and is made possible because of people like you!

Please join us for an elegant evening of food, music, entertainment and auctions, as we kick off the 30th year of Camp Good Days & Special Times helping children. You can log on here for more info. The event has sold out the last two years, so we do encourage guests to purchase their sponsorships and tickets as soon as possible!