Otak Blog

The Otak Relay Team gathered on the survey patio today to raise money for the Hood to Coast race coming up in August. With whisks and spatulas in hand, members of the team flipped pancakes and fried bacon slices. The aroma of the breakfast treats was enough to draw working Otakians away from their cubicles to enjoy a hearty breakfast and support the runners. Total donations raised: $122 and two IOUs. The group plans to have more food fundraising events in the next two months. Good luck, team!

During the month of May, Otak held the Green Commute Challenge which encouraged people to find alternative, earth-friendly ways of getting to work. A number of Otak employees accepted this challenge – helping us walk the walk, save gas, and reduce carbon emissions.

Top Green Commuters received gift cards: Darrin Stairs was the top bus commuter, Ron Dean the top bike rider, Sarah Espinosa the top carpooler, and Steve Dixon the top walker. Each of them found a way to “Green Commute” every single day of the Challenge.

Otak’s Vancouver office held the first annual Cookie Bake-off on Tuesday, May 12th. The contest was organized so the bakers remained anonymous until all judging and voting was complete. This added to the fun. Each baker made their own creation and brought two dozen samples to share, for a total of eight entries. The tasting and voting took place all day and below are the results.

Most Original – Marilou’s beautifully decorated sugar cookies
Best Use of Chocolate Chips – Rich’s chocolate chip, Heath bar, and dried cherry cookies and Sheryl’s peanut butter chocolate chip cookies
Best Overall – Sheryl’s peanut butter chocolate chip cookies
Honorable Mention (Best in Class) – Cory’s gingersnaps

Other fabulous cookies included:
Ryan – oatmeal chocolate chip
Maggie – chocolate chip cookies
Rich – zucchini chocolate chip
Sheryl – chocolate cookies with peanut butter chips

Thanks to all of the judges for sacrificing their waistlines and going home with stomach aches!