MADISON, Wis. -- Christmas celebrations are everywhere these days, so the holiday cookie decorating at Hilldale Mall in Madison over the weekend wasn't unusual. However, the goal of the event was.

As children put the finishing touches on their gingerbread boys and girls in a special Gingerbread Cookie Factory, Dave Bowden, of Market Street Diner, was busy making history constructing the tallest gingerbread man in the world. The gingerbread giant stands 26 feet tall.

"This was a goal he had," said Mary Beth Collins, the executive director of Dane County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), of Bowden's involvement. "To create the world's tallest gingerbread man. So, Dane County CASA approached him to see if he would do it, and he agreed, and here we are today."

Dane County CASA is an organization that advocates for children in abusive situations. CASA is counting on this weekend's event to raise awareness for their organization and for their cause.

"It's a really good combination," said Collins. "It's lucky people coming here and having a great time, and then it’s ultimately going to help other kids maybe get to that level of happiness."

Judging by the smiles of the kids working on their gingerbread creations, that's a high level indeed. The CASA Cookie Factory will be open the first three Saturdays in December at Hilldale Mall. Cookies can be bought for $3 each or two for $5, with all of the money raised going to Dane County CASA.

For more information, visit Dane County CASA's Web site.