One of the most creative and unique little-known nonprofits in Lexington is this very special bakery, which was introduced to me earlier this year by a great friend. I couldn't believe it took me over two years of living here to hear about it, since I love to bake and decorate cakes (nevermind the fact that I haven't made one since I moved to Lexington in 2012...)
Sweet Blessings, which operates out of the basement of Maxwell Presbyterian church in Lexington and also in Frankfort at First Christian Church, was created by Ashley Gann after an unfulfilling public health career left her feeling like she needed to do something more meaningful with her life. She started making cakes for less fortunate children in 2011 and today, it is a full-time operation out of Frankfort and Lexington. The cakes are ordered on a referral basis - mostly from churches, social workers, or schools-- for the child, who could be ill, in crisis or in poverty or otherwise may simply not get to celebrate with a fun cake on his or her special day. |
These are NOT your typical sheet cakes with Duncan Hines Buttercream Frosting slathered on top with a "Happy Birthday Micheal" written hastily in ribboned icing. No, no. Think artistic, whimsical, detailed Cake Boss-style cakes (take a looksy at the gallery). Better yet, each cake is created based individually on each child's interests an no two are exactly the same.
The best part? These are all made by volunteers! Not art students, bakers, or sculptors. Anyone can do this, and there is a job for everyone. Ashley runs from table to table, patiently explaining how to use different techniques for each detail. It also requires being fairly resourceful or imaginative-- did you know an herb roller makes perfect fondant stripes for basketballs?
Steve Ruddy, Casey Yohe, and Ashley all came with me for the ride again today! Ashley, though celebrating her milestone 18th birthday today, decided to take the time to help make birthday cakes for kids in need. How cool is this girl?!
Steve was put to work wrapping cakes in various shapes and tier sizes in the back of the kitchen. A freezer is kept FULL of these organized carefully and dated one by one. These don't last long. Cakes are always 2-3 tiers, and today alone we made 22 cakes (last time I was here, there were 36 orders to fill!)
I'm given the assignment of a "Frozen" cake for a little girl named Taylor. I spend the next few hours carefully cutting out letters from gum paste, punching intricate snowflakes from rolled fondant, and adhering them all to the cake before topping it with a painted gum paste Elsa and Anna.
Steve, claiming zero artistic talent, gets started making a basketball cake for a boy named Adrian. Completely "in the zone", he perfected the details of his masterpiece.
Casey and Ashley are sent to prepping the cakes for delivery, packing each in giant boxes that are actually customized to fit the cakes precisely. I A card and bow is placed on the top of each.
So many cakes were happening all around! I couldn't believe the detail and creativity put into each design. This was only a handful of the cakes that were made today.
Tell Me More....
From the Sweet Blessings Website:
Sweet Blessings believes all children deserve to feel special, and all children deserve to feel loved - especially on their birthday.
Unfortunately, for many children in our community a birthday is not a time to celebrate but a time to be reminded that there is not enough money for parties or presents and maybe not even dinner on the table. For others, birthdays are another reminder that, given their illness, they may not live another year.
At Sweet Blessings we strive to show children in poverty or with life threatening illness God's love by creating for them a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable, birthday cake. Each cake is created with a particular child in mind and showcases his/her favorite colors, hobbies, sports team, etc.
Sweet Blessings believes all children deserve to feel special, and all children deserve to feel loved - especially on their birthday.
Unfortunately, for many children in our community a birthday is not a time to celebrate but a time to be reminded that there is not enough money for parties or presents and maybe not even dinner on the table. For others, birthdays are another reminder that, given their illness, they may not live another year.
At Sweet Blessings we strive to show children in poverty or with life threatening illness God's love by creating for them a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable, birthday cake. Each cake is created with a particular child in mind and showcases his/her favorite colors, hobbies, sports team, etc.
These aren't cakes you would find in a local grocery store. They are reminiscent of the cakes seen on reality television shows like Ace of Cakes or Cake Boss. They are covered in fondant and made of multiple tiers or carved into special shapes. In addition, each child will be prayed for by one of the volunteers and receive a birthday card with a Bible verse. Our cakes are made, decorated and delivered by volunteers and funded by your generous donations. |
I Have a Child Who Really Deserves a Cake... How Can I do This for Him/Her?
If you are an individual who would like to recommend a child for a Sweet Blessings cake, please contact a pastor, social worker or service provider which works with the child.
How Else You Can Help:
Run or Walk the Great Cake Race 5K this Sunday! Who else has cupcakes at the finish line?
Sunday, May 3 at 4:00 PM. (Yes, plenty of time to recover from the Derby!) at the beautiful Keeneland race track.
Race fee is $25
Volunteer
Use this contact form to let Ashley know you're interested in taking a stab at your creative skills!
Every Monday - First Christian Church, Frankfort
Every Tuesday - Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church, Lexington
Donate
Use the link to donate via credit card or Paypal.
Sunday, May 3 at 4:00 PM. (Yes, plenty of time to recover from the Derby!) at the beautiful Keeneland race track.
Race fee is $25
Volunteer
Use this contact form to let Ashley know you're interested in taking a stab at your creative skills!
Every Monday - First Christian Church, Frankfort
Every Tuesday - Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church, Lexington
Donate
Use the link to donate via credit card or Paypal.
Sweet Blessings Cakes
PO Box 23972
Lexington, KY 40523-3972
Ashley Boyd Gann, Founder and Executive Director:
[email protected]
PO Box 23972
Lexington, KY 40523-3972
Ashley Boyd Gann, Founder and Executive Director:
[email protected]