Former CTV Atlantic host raises nearly $27K for mental health by selling cookies

Former CTV Atlantic Host is raising funds for mental health with her famous cookies

Longtime CTV Atlantic viewers will remember Starr Cunningham who spent over a decade hosting Live at Five. Many also remember her whipped shortbread cookies.

Cunningham first shared the recipe on Live at Five more than 20 years ago and says the response was immediate.

“We were just overwhelmed. We were printing it off and sending it by snail mail,” said Cunningham.

The simple holiday treat quickly became a favourite across the region.

“People loved it because it was simple to make, they taste delicious, and they felt like they had a little piece of Live at Five in their kitchen for Christmas,” said Cunningham.

Years later, the cookies took on a new purpose when Cunningham began auctioning them off at fundraising events for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia where she is the current president and CEO.

The first batch sold for $85. At a later black-tie gala, one guest paid $10,000 for the cookies.

To date, Cunningham’s shortbread cookies have raised $26,983 for mental health programs in Nova Scotia.

“What started as a recipe on Live at Five has grown into something that’s supporting the mental health of Nova Scotians all year around,” said Cunningham.

Starr’s Whipped Shortbread

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup icing sugar

1/4 cup corn starch

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cup flour

Directions:

Beat butter and shortening

Add other ingredients and continue beating until like whipped cream

Drop by teaspoon on cookie sheet

Bake at 325 for 6 minutes

Remove from oven and add half a maraschino cherry

Bake for 5 minutes more

Let cool on cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to cooling rack

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page