Giving Back Through Baking: Community Fundraisers that Warmed My Heart 💚

 There are moments when baking becomes more than just mixing butter and sugar — it becomes a way to show love, connection, and gratitude.  As a small cottage bakery, I’m always looking for ways to give back to the community that’s supported me from day one. Recently, I had the joy of participating in two wonderful fundraisers that truly warmed my heart: Elizabeth House and Burbank’s Parent ED’s Halloween Event.

Elizabeth House: Sweet Pies for a Meaningful Cause

When my friend and talented actress Kelly Schumann (you might recognize her from Superstore) reached out about Elizabeth House’s first-ever Pickleball Social, I was touched. Kelly works with Elizabeth House, a nonprofit that supports women, children, and even grandchildren through safe housing, mentorship, and unconditional love.

Their mission — to give families the tools and community they need to rebuild their lives — instantly resonated with me. It’s full of heart, and baking something for their fundraiser felt like a small but meaningful way to contribute.

I offered two pies for their silent auction: Maple Pecan and Blueberry. When Kelly told me they couldn’t decide between them, I laughed and said, “Then I’ll bake both!”

The Maple Pecan pie is one of my personal favorites — a New York Times recipe app I’ve made my own over time. Instead of corn syrup, it’s sweetened with maple syrup and honey, giving it a rich, layered flavor that feels like autumn in every bite. I even sneak pecans into the crust (because, truly, there’s no such thing as too many pecans).

The blueberry pie was inspired by a recipe from bromabakery.com. I've always loved how it layers the sweet-tart mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries into a cozy, jammy filling. 

Both pies were made with love and gratitude, knowing that each slice would help support families finding hope and stability through Elizabeth House’s incredible programs.

Burbank’s Parent ED’s: Cookies for the Kids

Soon after, I was contacted by Lucia from Burbank’s Parent ED’s program. She had found my name through a local “Moms of Burbank” Facebook group and asked if I’d be willing to donate baked goods for their upcoming Halloween event for local children. Of course, I said yes — how could I resist a chance to spread a little sweetness to the community’s littlest trick-or-treaters?

I baked assorted cookie boxes filled with kid favorites:

💚Triple Chocolate Chip

💚Miso Peanut Butter

💚M&M

💚Chocolate Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Each box was decorated with playful ghost and pumpkin icons for a festive touch. 

Lucia later sent me a heartfelt note of thanks that absolutely made my day — a simple reminder of why giving back is always worth it.

Sometimes, the simplest gestures — a cookie, a smile, a bit of sweetness — can ripple farther than we realize.

💚Why Giving Back Matters to Me

My cottage bakery began as a small dream in my kitchen, but it’s always been rooted in community. Every order, every bake, and every collaboration is a reminder that we rise by lifting others — and that even small local businesses can make a meaningful impact.

Baking for these causes wasn’t about recognition; it was about connection — sharing warmth, kindness, and a piece of my heart through something as simple as pie and cookies.

Here’s to more sweet moments of giving, and to all the hands and hearts that make our community so special.