Youngstown Historical Society Hosts Annual Cookie Table and Cocktails Fundraiser

Event celebrates 100 years of local broadcasting with themed decor and cookie contest

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Mahoning Valley Historical Society held its 13th annual Cookie Table and Cocktails fundraiser in Youngstown, Ohio. The event helps raise money to support immigrant families who cannot afford a traditional wedding cake. This year's theme focused on 100 years of broadcasting in the Mahoning Valley, with historic photos and broadcasting-themed centerpieces.

Why it matters

The Cookie Table and Cocktails event has become an annual tradition in Youngstown, bringing the community together to celebrate local history and culture while raising funds for a worthy cause. As a longstanding fundraiser, the event highlights the historical society's efforts to preserve the region's heritage and support underserved populations.

The details

The fundraiser, held at the Maronite Center, featured a cookie contest with amateur and professional divisions, as well as an overall winner category. Cookies were judged on criteria like best chocolate, best use of a unique ingredient, and best heritage cookie. WKBN news anchor Stan Boney served as the event's emcee.

  • The 13th annual Cookie Table and Cocktails event took place on February 22, 2026.

The players

Mahoning Valley Historical Society

A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Youngstown, Ohio region.

Bill Lawson

The executive director of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.

Stan Boney

A news anchor for WKBN, the local television station, who served as the emcee for the event.

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What they’re saying

“We dove into our Stewart Media Archives Center collection, and we have a lot of historic photos, the price settings or centerpieces on the table have a broadcasting theme. Lots of great local images of the local talent.”

— Bill Lawson, Executive Director, Mahoning Valley Historical Society (WKBN)

What’s next

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society plans to continue hosting the annual Cookie Table and Cocktails fundraiser, with future events likely to feature new themes celebrating the region's history and culture.

The takeaway

The Cookie Table and Cocktails fundraiser demonstrates how a local historical society can leverage community traditions and cultural touchstones to engage residents, raise funds, and preserve the unique identity of a region. The event's longevity and growing popularity highlight the enduring appeal of celebrating local history and supporting important community causes.