NORWICH – Tracy Chawgo isn’t much for the kitchen. Yet that’s exactly where the Norwich Fire Chief spent yesterday afternoon. The occasion? Whipping up a batch of his favorite cookies for The Children’s Center’s Night of Cookies and Cream fundraiser.

“This is the only time of year I cook, period,” laughed Chawgo, who enlisted his daughter Alyssa’s help for the cause.

The results of their efforts will be sold at silent auction during the event, which will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Norwich Fire Station. Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Center’s Scholarship Fund, which helps offset the cost of child care for families with a demonstrated financial need.

“It is a ‘sweet’ event for an even ‘sweeter’ cause,” said Sharon Wilson, this year’s fundraising chair.

Chawgo is just one of the local celebrities dusting off their cookie sheets, tying on their aprons and stepping up to their batter bowls in support of The Children’s Center.

Others baking up a storm for the good cause are NYS Senator Thomas Libous, NBT President Martin Dietrich, Commerce Chenango President Maureen Carpenter, Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco, Perry Browne Principal Jen Post, David Emerson, Jim and Patrick McNeil and a host of other business and community leaders.

All told, Wilson said over 60 local celebrities were asked to contribute cookies for the event.