One day it just appeared on my desk, as if by magic. I returned from a meeting and there it sat, an unassuming glass jar with a translucent label, bearing the words “Stagnaro’s Cookies” in plain script.

I couldn’t help giggling as I unscrewed the white lid and extracted the scroll of paper from within. It was, as I had guessed, an invitation to compete in this year’s Celebrity Cookie Auction.

Now, I don’t consider myself a celebrity, but far be it from me to dissuade anyone who believes otherwise. (Go ahead, feed that needy little ego. In this case, feed it cookies.)

The auction itself is the centerpiece of A Night of Cookies and Cream, The Children’s Center’s annual fundraising campaign. This year’s event takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at the Norwich Fire Station. In addition to the cookie auction, there are always a host of other family friendly activities – and of course plenty of cookies and milk for all to enjoy.

Proceeds from the event benefit the center’s Scholarship Fund, which helps offset the cost of child care for families with a demonstrated financial need. This is where the local celebs (and pseudo-celebs like myself) come in. We’re asked to whip up a batch of our favorite cookies to be sold by silent auction.