Today I’m very proud to tell you about a group of South Sound moms as sweet as their cause.
Free Cakes for Kids South Sound, is an all volunteer group of local baking moms whose simple mission is to make sure that no child in need goes without a special cake on his/her birthday. This is a national organization, and the local chapter was started by Mischell Devine-Nunner, who found an article about the group while flipping through a magazine on an airplane. Mischell has her own business, Cupcakes etc., and she is currently using the profits from that business to fund Free Cakes. The chapter began in 2008 with four volunteers, and has grown into a volunteer army of 100 bakers who turned out 607 cakes in 2010. Autumn Coolbaugh, the group’s marketing director, says they are on track to double that number in 2011. Wow!
The group gets requests from organizations that work with needy children as well as from individuals. Their bakers are all volunteers, and their cakes are made entirely through donated goods, often paid for out of the volunteers’ own pockets.
There is a lot to love about this group, but I think what touches me about it most is that it is such a simple but powerful idea. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get so discouraged about all the world’s problems that I just want to turn off the news and cover my ears. I love that these women have found a meaningful way to make a difference, as Autumn says, “One birthday at a time.” Finally, as a mom, I know that getting that first look at the cake (or first finger of frosting) is always such a, “Wow!” moment for my boys. No child should miss out on that.
How can you help South Sound Free Cakes for Kids? If you’re interested in applying to be a volunteer baker, you can contact Mischell. You can also help by donating money or non perishable baking supplies. The group will also be at the big, indoor garage sale in Lewis County this Saturday.
You’ll also find information on their site about how to nominate children if you know a boy or girl in need whose special day would be made a little brighter with a special cake.