What’s the next best thing to baking for loved ones? Baking to support a worthy cause. And we can’t think of a worthier cause than feeding hungry children in your community and beyond.
This year, for the second year in a row, Domino® Sugar sponsored Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale, a national effort that encourages Americans to host bake sales in their communities to help end childhood hunger. Since its inception in 2003, the Great American Bake Sale has raised more than $6 million. In 2009, approximately 480,000 individuals participated in bake sales across the country and raised $1.22 million.
One contributor to that success was the Woodbridge, NJ, chapter of MOMS Club, Moms Offering Moms Support, an international nonprofit organization that participates in service projects to help families in need. Not only did member moms find time to bake homemade goods, they also worked with local businesses which donated supplies and printed flyers. In addition, they created a team web page and encouraged friends and family who couldn’t attend the bake sale to donate money online. “It was definitely a team effort,” said team captain Michelle Parrinello. “As moms, we were happy to do our part to help feed hungry children in America.”
Tracey Brennan of Norfolk, VA, got involved with The Great American Bake Sale in 2009 after reading about it for two years. She gathered a team, received approval to host the sale on a local organization’s property, and distributed informative letters to neighborhood parents. As a result, “We had terrific support from the families and the community in general,” said Brennan. A number of local kids volunteered their time as well. “They were thrilled to be a part of a good cause.” Brennan’s team exceeded their goal and look forward to participating again next year.
Although the 2009 Great American Bake Sale has ended, there is still great need to raise money for Share Our Strength to combat childhood hunger in America. It isn’t too early to start talking to your friends and neighbors about next year’s event—and thinking about which of your favorite recipes you’ll bake!
For more information on the Great American Bake Sale and to make a donation, volunteer, or involve your organization, please visit the Share Our Strength
website.