Aida Bakeless Bake Sale
Travel to the highlands of Ethiopia with the Toledo Opera Guild’s annual Bakeless Bake Sale, inspired by Toledo Opera’s fall 2026 production of Verdi’s masterpiece, Aida.
For generations, the Toledo Opera Guild has proudly provided meals for the cast, chorus, orchestra, and production team during rehearsal week, offering nourishment and hospitality as artists prepare to bring opera to life on stage.
This season presents a special challenge. Verdi’s Aida features one of opera’s greatest choruses, meaning more artists, more rehearsals, and more dinners to serve. Fortunately, the Guild is ready to rise to the occasion.
Rather than baking pies and cookies, we invite you to support our efforts by making a donation inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia, the homeland of Princess Aida. Your gift will help provide rehearsal week meals for the entire company while celebrating the culture and history that inspire this beloved opera.
All donations are due by September 18, 20026. Please contact Rebecca Conklin Kleiboemer with any questions: rmconklin@yahoo.com
Featured Menu Selections
Injera (Fermented Flatbread) – $10
Traditional Ethiopian fermented flatbread made from teff flour, featuring a soft, spongy texture and a pleasantly tangy flavor. Perfect for pairing with stews, vegetables, and grilled meats.
Click here to donate at the Injera level
Kik Alecha (Yellow Split Peas) – $20
A mild and comforting Ethiopian stew made with tender yellow split peas simmered with onions, garlic, turmeric, and fragrant spices. Known for its rich flavor and vibrant golden color, kik alecha is a beloved staple of Ethiopian cuisine.
Click here to donate at the Kik Alecha level
Doro Wat (Spicy Chicken) – $50
Ethiopia’s national dish, doro wat is a richly seasoned chicken stew slowly simmered with onions, garlic, berbere spice, and traditional seasonings. Deeply flavorful and often served during celebrations and holidays, it is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Ethiopian cuisine.
Click here to donate at the Doro Wat level
Tej (Honey Wine) – $100
Ethiopia’s traditional honey wine, enjoyed for centuries during celebrations and special occasions. Lightly sweet and deeply rooted in Ethiopian culture, tej is a symbol of hospitality and community.
Click here to donate at the Tej level
Blue Nile Feast - $200
A $200 donation earns 20 chances to win an unforgettable evening for two at Blue Nile Restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The winning guests will join hosts Dan and Rebecca Kleiboemer for an authentic Ethiopian dining experience, exploring the rich flavors and traditions that inspired Verdi's Aida this October.
Click here to donate at the Blue Nile Feast level
Win an Ethiopian Dining Experience
For every $10 donated, you will receive one entry into a drawing for two guests to enjoy an authentic Ethiopian feast at the renowned Blue Nile Restaurant in Ann Arbor as part of a special "Go with the Guild!" outing in October.
Support Toledo Opera
Your contribution directly supports the Toledo Opera Guild’s long standing tradition of caring for the artists who make our productions possible. As Princess Aida navigates love, loyalty, and destiny on stage, you can help ensure that Toledo Opera’s cast and chorus are well-fed and ready to deliver a spectacular performance.
To send a check, please download and fill out the form below and send it along with payment to Toledo Opera Guild to:
Toledo Opera Guild
425 Jefferson Ave, Ste 601
Toledo, OH 43604
Please make checks payable to Toledo Opera Guild.