Mimi's Cafe cooks up Utah essay contest

After 12 years of sponsoring "The Write Stuff" Thanksgiving essay contest in California and other markets, Mimi's Cafe in Layton is offering the contest for the first time in Utah.

Open to public and private school elementary-age students in three categories, first and second grades; third and fourth grades, and fifth and sixth grades, participants must write a one-page essay describing anything in their life for which they are thankful.

Essays will be judged based on elementary school grade level and 15 finalists will be chosen for a special awards and pre-Thanksgiving luncheon on Nov. 15.

At the awards luncheon, finalists will read their essays to parents, teachers, judges, and media participants and the three winners will be announced and prizes awarded. All finalists will receive a Mimi's Cafe sweatshirt and complimentary meal certificates.

Essays must be no longer than one page. Only one submission per student will be accepted. Each essay must include the child's name, address, age, school and home phone number. Entries without this complete information will be disqualified. Those submitting essays must be able to attend the awards luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at Mimi's Cafe in Layton, 874 W. Antelope Drive, at 10 a.m.

Essays must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, to: The Write Stuff, c/o Handy Public Relations, 1355 E. 625 North, Layton, UT 84040 or by e-mail to mimis@handypr.net.

Contest fliers are available at Mimi's Cafe in Layton. For more information, call 801-699-2737.

"'The Write Stuff' has become a very successful community outreach program for Mimi's Cafe, and we are excited to sponsor the contest for the first time in Utah in order to help youth cultivate their writing skills and remind we adults of what is truly important in life," said Tom Hartman, Mimi's Cafe Utah market partner.