Lady Gaga-Inspired Gingerbread Creation Takes the Cake at Montrose Competition

Lady Gaga-Inspired Gingerbread Creation Takes the Cake at Montrose Competition

Kenny Bacak and Melissa Rodriguez

‘TIS THE SEASON for gingerbread-house-making! Montrose Grace Place hosted more than 15 teams for an annual competition. Montrose Grace Place’s mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for homeless youth of all sexualities and genders.


Held at Kindred Montrose, a beautiful church on Waugh, the fundraiser included festive beverages, snacks and a silent auction. Teams competed by building and decorating gingerbread houses and surrounding scenes, all in the name of snagging the Judge’s Choice Award. The decision-makers included radio personality Amir Diamond, Sister ZsaZsa Galor, Sister Gin Tervention and HIV awareness advocate Caleb Brown.

The winning creation was a metallic, geometric, Lady Gaga-inspired house titled “Welcome to Chromatica,” as announced by emcee Duckie DuJour.

All-in-all, the event was a huge success, per Board President Natalie Ferguson. “Days before the competition took place, we broke our previous fundraising record,” she said. “All of the funds raised will help us kick off 2022 in great spirits and in fantastic financial positioning.”

Mistress of Ceremonies Ducki DuJour with the first-place team / photo by Nick Moore

Executive Director Courtney Sellers with the kids category winner / photo by Nick Moore

Courtney Sellers with the Peoples Choice winners / photo by Nick Moore

The winning gingerbread house

A competition entry

Kenny Bacak, Melissa Rodriguez, Sarah Yates

Wellness+Giving Back
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

THE WEATHER IS changing, and soon, so will the time! Make the most of that extra hour of sun at Montrose’s Okto. This Mediterranean hotspot, located in Montrose Collective and part of Sof Hospitality — a group nominated for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award in the competitive Outstanding Restaurateur category — is rolling out a new happy hour to enjoy on their urban-chic patio.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

THERE'S A MOMENT just before dusk when everything turns to gold—the light softens, the world slows, and indulgence feels not just necessary, but deserved. Welcome to Golden Hour at The Marigold Club, where opulence meets effortless charm and your midweek unwind turns into an exquisite ritual.

Keep Reading Show less