Ready, Set, Bake!

Saturday, March 15, bakers from all over San Bernardino County came out to the San Manuel 66ers Stadium for Cakewalk’s First Annual Take the Cake Bake Off (TTCBO). Many came in hopes of getting exposure for their independent businesses while others sought to get more familiar with the industry and meet new people. Whether it was their love for the Redlands-based Cakewalk, showing support for Cakewalk owners Erik and Lauren Martinez, or joining the event to quench their thirst for competition, the thousands in attendance all made a difference for the No Kid Hungry Campaign, which was the driving goal behind the event. EBEZ Sweet Treats' Bridgett Hinkle, who attended Cakewalk's No Kid Hungry fundraiser last year at the Redlands Market Night bake sale, featured thematic cupcakes like her "No Kid Hungry" French Vanilla Apple Filling cupcakes. Melody Gordon of Chloe's Cupcakes expresses that anytime she can do something for a good cause, "it's motivating." Cee Duckett from Cee's shared, "I think it's important to bring awareness to people that there are children that go to bed every night without a meal and that, as responsible adults, it's our responsibility to make sure that no kid goes hungry. Anything to make people think about it, even if it's cupcakes." Students at the Art Institute also competed against one another for spots in the competition. Out of twelve competitors, only three made it into the TTCBO: Baker's Love, Candy's Cake, and SUGARush. "It's competitive," SUGARush's Ramiro Guillen stated. But despite the anxiety, Art Institute students were excited to partake in their first competition and to learn from the overall experience. Each guest was welcomed at the gates of the San Manuel Stadium with a reusable TTCBO bag containing: a 12-cupcake container, a map of the stadium and all competitors, a Cakewalk coupon, and a lanyard for guest badges. With the help of Q104.7's Chris Loos, the Take the Cake Bake Off was well promoted. Cakewalk was also featured on KTLA's Burrous Bites with Chris Burrous the following morning. Competitors were to make 300 cupcakes, with some bakers making up to almost 400. The competition included brackets for cake pops, cookies, cupcakes and fan favorites. Winners were posted on The Cakewalk Cake and Candy Supplies Facebook page and Instagram. Why No Kid Hungry? Lauren, who started out in a family catering store, joined forces with Erik and decided to enter the baking industry. Erik thought it would be a good market to enter since it's a growing industry. In recent years, Erik and Lauren helped an independent baker with a bake sale at Redlands Market Night. With their help, the woman was able to make four times as much as she did in previous nights. All proceeds went to the No Kid Hungry. Cakewalk now carries on with fundraising for the same campaign through the Take the Cake Bake Off. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the actual Redlands-based Cakewalk store go back to schools in the community. The Cakewalk philosophy emphasizes the importance of their guests, the community and the Cakewalk team members. Erik believes that others' success is their success. "It's cyclical," he says. The day marked the 18-month anniversary since the opening of Cakewalk. Cakewalk co-owner, Erik says that he’s proud of everything that he and his wife, Lauren have accomplished. With all of the support, Cakewalk plans to open a second location in May/June.