Cupcake Camp, founded by Ariel Waldman, Lynn, Marianne Masculino and Cindy Li, was meant to be an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and eat cupcakes in an open environment. This all changed, however, when I came into the picture. I saw this as a way to bring my community together and raise a little money for charity. It wasn't easy in the beginning, it still isn't, but I'm doing my best to make Cupcake Camp Toledo bigger and better every year.
You're probably wondering who I am. My name is Lindsey, although I go by Lola so much that often people don't know my real name, and I was born in the city of Toledo. My mother raised me to be well rounded, articulate, and very concerned about my fellow man. People often joke that they have no idea how she managed to raise such a caring only child. I suppose I'm supposed to be selfish, self-centered, and spoiled, but that's not me.
I was sitting passenger side when my mom would go out of her way to buy food for the hungry. I served meals when she worked at the homeless shelter. I played with foster children when she worked for CSB or congratulated them on going back home. I was there to witness all of her good deeds and it must have rubbed off on me.
When I heard of Cupcake Camp I immediately loved the idea. I love baking - my grandmother started teaching me when I was about three, I love meeting new people - that's exactly what a community gathering is for, and I absolutely love love cupcakes. Cupcakes, to me, are the epitome of happiness. You can't eat one and not smile...unless it's made with hate...those never taste good.
Cupcake Camp Toledo is a family event that, usually, features a face painter. Every year we gather together, myself and the best professional/home bakers, and have a massive bake sale. Sweet treats for a cause! Nothing could be better. Every year the list of bakers grows longer and I appreciate them for all of the work that they do in making the event happen. Without them I would be no where.
So far, almost every major bakery in Toledo has donated to the event and many home bakers have come out of the woodworks! Honestly, it's the home bakers that I'm most proud to have. They are usually trying to set up their own business and, while Cupcake Camp is a charity fundraiser, it doesn't hurt to have them bring their business cards. I believe that everyone should get and opportunity and I try to make as many of them as I can at the event.
The money, once all raised, is split between nonprofit organizations in our own community. I always do at least one to help the two-legged and one to help the four-legged. All in all, I think it's a good event for a great cause and I hope to have more events join our Annual bake sale so that we're raising money throughout the year!
I hope to see everyone at Cupcake Camp Toledo 2011, August 20th at the Comfort Inn South - 2426 Oregon Road! 10:30-6pm! You've just gotta be there!
