Triangle Family Services’ Gingerbread Benefit isn’t until November 29 at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, N.C., but planning for this annual benefit is already well under way at Clairemont. The event’s past success coupled with Triangle Family Services’ 75th anniversary this year means the pressure is on for this benefit to be bigger and better than any other.

It may be only June, but we have been getting into the holiday spirit in the Clairemont office lately. We have been researching and compiling media lists and drafting and editing press releases and backgrounders in preparation to pitch long-lead publications like Southern Living, Bon Appétit and Our State. The best part, though? Researching gingerbread-themed goodies, bags, boxes and folders to use for media kits.

Ideas like gingerbread candles, chap-stick and sticky notes have been suggested, but personally, I’m still looking for gingerbread-scented paper (inspired by Elle Wood’s pink scented resume in Legally Blonde – “It gives a little something extra, don’t you think?”).

After working on these projects and looking at pictures from past Gingerbread Benefits, I almost forget that it’s still only the summer and more than five months until the event. It has shown me how much work and preparation goes into the event months and months ahead of time. It’s an exciting process! I am able to watch the planning, and in November, will see all of the hard work come together into a great event.