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As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the lush green hills of Appalachia come alive with a unique blend of Irish heritage and Appalachian culture. While this holiday is traditionally associated with Ireland, the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day resonates deeply in the mountains and valleys of Appalachia, where communities come together to celebrate their own rich traditions alongside the global festivities.

In Appalachia, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a day to wear green and enjoy a pint of Guinness (although those are certainly cherished traditions!). It’s a time to honor the enduring spirit of resilience, community, and cultural heritage that defines the Appalachian experience.

One of the most vibrant aspects of St. Patrick’s Day in Appalachia is the music. Fiddles, banjos, and mandolins fill the air as local musicians gather for lively jam sessions, blending traditional Irish tunes with the distinctive sounds of bluegrass and old-time music. Whether it’s a rollicking reel or a soulful ballad, the music of St. Patrick’s Day in Appalachia captures the essence of shared storytelling and camaraderie.

Food also plays a central role in the celebration, with Appalachian kitchens bustling with the aromas of hearty fare inspired by both Irish and Appalachian culinary traditions. From savory stews and colcannon to corned beef and cabbage, Appalachian cooks put their own twist on classic Irish dishes, infusing them with local flavors and ingredients sourced from the region’s fertile farmland.

But perhaps the most cherished aspect of St. Patrick’s Day in Appalachia is the sense of community that permeates every celebration. Families gather for potluck dinners, neighbors exchange warm greetings on bustling main streets, and local businesses deck their storefronts in shades of green, welcoming visitors to join in the festivities.

In towns and cities across the region, St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals bring communities together in a kaleidoscope of color, music, and merriment. From the rolling hills of West Virginia to the hollers of Kentucky, Appalachians young and old don their finest green attire and take to the streets to revel in the joyous spirit of the day.

As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Appalachia, let us not only honor the legacy of Ireland but also embrace the unique cultural tapestry of our own region. In the heart of Appalachia, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate the bonds of kinship, the beauty of tradition, and the enduring spirit of a proud and resilient people.

So whether you’re Irish by blood or Appalachian by birth, come join us as we raise a glass to the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in the mountains we call home.

Sláinte agus saol agat! (Cheers and good health to you!)

In a world filled with challenges, there are organizations dedicated to shaping the future of our youth, fostering self-respect, productivity, and positive contributions to society. One such organization, the Piked Antler Project (PAP), is making a profound difference, and 52Cakes is proud to stand by their side. This week, we explore the remarkable efforts of the Piked Antler Project and how we can play a small role in supporting their mission.

52Cake believes in supporting initiatives that drive positive change in the community. The Piked Antler Project, a for-profit organization, is dedicated to making a significant impact on the lives of both children and adults. Our goal at 52Cakes is to contribute to this work by sponsoring more children to their life-changing camps or assisting PAP in their expansion efforts through increased awareness. 

In an era where remarkable individuals strive to make a difference, The Piked Antler Project stands as a shining testament to empowerment. Founded by William White, this initiative has a captivating story of its beginning, offering a beacon of hope to those in need. Discover more about the visionary behind this transformative project by visiting their website: https://pikedantlerproject.com/about.

PAP offers survival classes that provide children with invaluable skills and experiences. These classes cover a wide range of essential skills, from building fires, creating shelters, and making compasses, to water filtration, trapping, knife safety, and more. Kids also learn about edible and medicinal plants, crafting medicines, hunting, trapping, fishing, as well as processing and cooking wild game. Currently these classes run from 8 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, and there are two-day camps that extend from Saturday at 8 am to the following day at 4:00 pm.

The Piked Antler Project’s “Big Goal” is to acquire a sizable piece of land to offer longer-term courses for children. This vision includes cabins, obstacle courses, rafting, climbing, and an array of outdoor activities. Every child who benefits from this experience brings PAP one step closer to achieving this “Next level” for kids.

The dedicated instructors at the Piked Antler Project go beyond teaching survival skills. They instill essential life skills such as self-respect, respect for others, and respect for the environment. Students also learn self-ownership, discipline, focus, fortitude, appreciation, teamwork, leadership, and effective communication. These skills empower children to become well-rounded and responsible individuals.

52Cakes proudly supports the PAP because we’ve seen the impact of their work firsthand. (Our Pastry Chef), Melinda’s son, Gavin, attended a week-long survival camp last summer. This “video game focused child” bloomed, as he learned to step out of his comfort zone and accomplish tasks he once would be impossible.

We invite you to join us in supporting the Piked Antler Project. With every child they empower, every fire they ignite, and every slice of cake we sell, we get closer to a brighter future.

The Piked Antler Project is actively seeking support in building an epic Survival Camp location for kids and adults. Most of their efforts are dedicated to working with children, which is where the initial spark for their mission began.

Here is how you can help:

• Spread the Word: Share the Piked Antler Project’s mission with your friends, family, and social networks. Raising awareness is a powerful way to make a difference.
• Send Students: Encourage children and young adults to participate in their survival classes and camps, helping them gain valuable skills for life.
• And of course, bid on the cake of the week!

With your support, the Piked Antler Project can continue to impact lives, one child at a time, one fire at a time, and for us, one slice of cake at a time. Together, we can help shape a better world for the next generation.

Join us in making a difference through this week’s 52Cakes fundraiser for The Share Project!

Good morning, Sweet Town! We are coming together to support a cause that hits close to home, a cause that aims to change lives, shatter stereotypes, and bring hope to those in need. The Share Project is on a mission to make a significant impact on families and loved ones affected by the drug crisis. When you hear their stories, you’ll understand the urgency and importance of this cause.

SHARE stands for Spreading Hope and Awareness & Removing the Epidemic Stigma, and that’s precisely what this incredible project is all about.

 Their Vision: To Be a Source of Awareness and Support for Families and Loved Ones Affected by the Drug Crisis.

Their Mission: We envision a world where addiction is de-stigmatized and better understood as a disorder, and where family members and loved ones of those afflicted by addiction never feel like they have to suffer alone or in silence.

The founders, Michele Rogers and Lisa Falbo, know firsthand the pain of losing a child to addiction. They’ve turned that pain into a passionate mission to remove the stigma surrounding addiction. They’ve walked the difficult path and understand that addiction does not discriminate. It can touch any family, including ours.

We can’t stress enough that awareness is the first step in fighting this epidemic.

We must do better as a society, as a community, as humans. Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” As a society, we know better now, and it’s time to do better.

🌼 Help bring HOPE to those who have none. 🌼 Stop playing judge with people’s lives. 🌼 Remember that “for the Grace of God, there go I.” 🌼 Destigmatize addiction and substance use, recognizing it as a disorder.

The Share Project offers vital support to friends and family members struggling with addiction. They provide resources, host support groups, community workshops, and awareness events to break down the barriers that keep people from seeking help. They also provide Naloxone, a lifesaving overdose reversal medication, to families and community members.

So, let’s come together, Sweet Town! Let’s support The Share Project in their mission to make a real difference. Your contribution can help save lives and end the suffering caused by addiction. Donate today, and let’s stand up against the stigma and offer hope where it’s needed most. More information can be found at https://www.theshareproject.org/

Together, we can create a world where help and support surround you. Help us make a difference one slice at a time.   

#52CakesForChange #TheShareProject #EndTheStigma #SpreadHope

Yellow cake tends to receive mixed reviews, often due to a common misconception. Have you ever sampled a homemade yellow cake that didn’t originate from a cake mix? The reason I bring this up is that yellow cake is essentially a variation of white cake, distinctively enriched by the use of egg yolks in its batter, resulting in a slightly richer texture and a lovely golden color. However, it’s important to note that yellow cake doesn’t mimic the flavor of a cake mix.

The unique characteristics of a yellow cake made from cake mix are a consequence of its formulation, which includes elevated levels of emulsifiers, added “special flavors”, and an engineering process designed to minimize errors for home bakers. Many individuals I’ve spoken to admit that their only experience with yellow cake has been through cake mixes, which possess their own distinct taste.

If you’re open to trying something different, we encourage you to enjoy our yellow cake to truly appreciate its nuanced flavors. However, I must warn you if you want that distinct cake mix taste, you might be disappointed.

Ladies and gentlemen of our Sweet Town,

It’s a beautiful morning, and today we come together as a community to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. As the saying goes, “but by the grace of God, there go I.” Today, we are proud to announce that 52Cakes is wholeheartedly supporting Pathways this week.

Pathways, as many of you know, is the shining light in our community, providing emergency shelter for men, women, and families facing homelessness right here in Haywood County. Their mission is simple but profound: to offer individualized supportive services to those who need it most, guiding them on their journey from homelessness to a stable, secure home.

But Pathways doesn’t stop there. They go above and beyond, extending a warm, helping hand to anyone in our community by serving a hot, nourishing dinner every single day. And if that weren’t enough, their Holy Cow Food Truck takes their compassion on the road, delivering meals throughout Haywood County, touching the lives of countless individuals and families.

Let’s put some numbers to their incredible impact: on average, Pathways serves seven families and fifty men and women each month with their vital shelter services. They provide approximately 9,000 meals, filling not just bellies but hearts with hope. All of this is made possible by the unwavering support of our community, which funds Pathways entirely.

Pathways is more than just a shelter; they are a lifeline for those in need. They offer essential services like hygiene supplies, food, shelter, laundry, clothing, and so much more, all thanks to your generous gifts and your willingness to stand beside them as partners in this incredible journey.

And guess what? You can do even more! In addition to indulging your sweet tooth with one of our delectable cakes, you can make a direct impact by donating to Pathways via their website. Whether it’s a monetary donation or purchasing items from their needs list, every contribution counts and brings us one step closer to ensuring that no one in our community is left without a roof over their head or a warm meal.

So, let’s come together, Sweet Town, in the spirit of unity and compassion. Let’s support Pathways and their incredible work. Because when we join hands, there’s no challenge too great, no obstacle too high, and no one left behind.

Thank you for being the heart and soul of this wonderful community. Together, we can make a lasting impact, ensuring that the grace of God shines upon us all.

Frozen Desserts: A Delicious Solution When You Can’t Order Ahead

In a world where convenience often reigns supreme, there’s something truly satisfying about indulging in a delectable dessert at a moment’s notice. Yet, in our fast-paced lives, it’s not always possible to plan ahead. So, what’s the solution when your sweet tooth strikes unexpectedly? Enter frozen desserts, your new best friend when you want quality in a moments notice.

1. Always Ready to Satisfy Your Cravings

The beauty of frozen desserts lies in their ability to be on standby whenever you need them. Unlike our freshly prepared treats, which often require a week’s, frozen desserts are there for you, patiently waiting in our freezer. Whether it’s a sudden craving for creamy pies, cheesecakes or, a decadent frozen cake, you can have your sweet fix without delay.

2. No Compromise on Flavor or Quality

Contrary to the misconception that frozen desserts are a compromise in terms of taste and quality, they often rival their fresh counterparts. We take great pride in crafting frozen treats using high-quality ingredients and our time-honored recipes. As a result, you can enjoy the same amazing flavors and textures without worrying about them losing their magic in the freezer.

3. Less Food Waste

One of the advantages of frozen desserts is that they have a longer shelf life compared to their fresh counterparts. This means we can keep them on hand for your unpredictable moments when you need a quick dessert fix. Plus, it helps reduce our food waste since we won’t have to toss out desserts that have gone stale or spoiled before anyone could enjoy them.

4. Convenience without Sacrificing Quality

While fresh desserts certainly have their place and time, there’s no denying that frozen desserts offer unparalleled convenience without sacrificing quality. They are your reliable backup plan for satisfying cravings, surprising guests, or simply enjoying a moment of sweet indulgence.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth and Make a Difference with 52Cakes! 🍰

Are you ready for an entire year of delectable delights? We’re thrilled to be in our second week of 52Cakes, and we’ve got a treat that will satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.

This Week’s Temptation: Chocolate Heaven! 🍫

Our featured cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Picture this: layers of moist chocolate cake generously slathered with velvety chocolate buttercream and filled with rich dark chocolate goodness. But we don’t stop there! The cake is then crowned with a luscious dark chocolate ganache, nestled beneath a bed of crunchy chocolate chip cookies, our delightful honey cinnamon marshmallow, and irresistible chocolate pieces. If you’re passionate about chocolate, this cake is your slice of heaven!

Sweets with a Cause: Braden’s Birthday Celebration 🎉

This week, our cake honors Braden’s Birthday.  From his mom Patty. “Braden was born still on Nov. 2, 2001. Each year, on his birthday, we do good for our community. https://www.facebook.com/BradensBirthday

So, there’s more to this week’s cake than just its heavenly taste. We’re adorning it with two charming sugar socks in honor of our cause.

🧦 First Goal: Whimsical Socks for Foster Children 🧦

Braden’s Birthday is on mission to collect funds to provide whimsical socks to every foster child in Haywood County. These socks represent more than just cozy footwear; they’re a symbol of hope, comfort, and care for those who need it most. Imagine the smiles on their faces as they receive these beautiful socks, making their days a little brighter.

📚 Secondary Goal: Scholarship for a Deserving High School Graduate 📚

In addition to spreading happiness through socks, Braden’s Birthday aspires to raise money for a scholarship that will empower a deserving high school graduate to pursue their dreams. This scholarship can change a young person’s life and help them achieve their educational aspirations.

https://www.facebook.com/BradensBirthday

Let’s Make a Difference One Slice at a Time and One Sock at a Time! 🍰🧦

By indulging in our delicious chocolate cake and supporting Bradon’s Birthday fundraiser, you’re not just satisfying your sweet tooth; you’re also making a positive impact on the lives of foster children and aspiring students in Haywood County. Join us in this journey of sweetness and compassion, and let’s change lives, one slice at a time and one sock at a time. Together, we can create a sweeter, brighter future for our community!

52 Cakes’ Farm to Cake Fundraiser is not only offering delicious treats but also making a positive impact on the Haywood County community by supporting various non-profit organizations and causes.

This week we were able to donate to the Haywood County Arts Council. And to add icing to the cake, the winning bid decided to donate the cake to the Haywood County Sherrif’s Department.

The next cake will be in honor of Braden’s Birthday Fundraiser. It’s heartwarming to see how individuals and businesses in Haywood County are coming together to support important causes. Braden’s Birthday fundraiser, in memory of Braden, is particularly touching, as it honors his memory by giving back to the community through collecting socks for Haywood County Foster Care kids and providing a scholarship to a Tuscola High School student. More can be found on their Facebook Page here. https://www.facebook.com/BradensBirthday

This kind of community-driven initiative showcases the power of small acts of kindness and the impact they can have when multiplied. It’s great to see people coming together to make a difference in their community, one cakeslice and one sock at a time. If anyone is interested in learning more or getting involved, they can visit the provided link for more information about Braden’s Birthday fundraiser on Facebook.

We are overjoyed to be part of a community that thrives on helping one another, where lending a hand is a way of life. We receive numerous requests each week to contribute to various causes, and while we’d love to assist every time, it’s not always possible. That’s why we’ve embarked on our very own fundraising initiative: ’52 Cakes.’

Each week, we’ll craft a unique and delightful cake, focusing on either its style or flavor, or both. Then, we’ll auction off that delectable creation. Our commitment is to donate one cake per week, supporting 52 different non-profit organizations, initiatives, and projects right here in Haywood County. Every cent raised will be directed to the cause of the week, and the following week, we’ll select another deserving cause to support.

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the platform that manages the bids and collects the funds on our behalf. All the winning bidder needs to do is pick up the cake on Friday morning and savor every bite, knowing they’ve made a difference.

The cakes will be finished and posted in social media and here on our website every Thursday morning. You have until 5:00 PM to bid on the cake. The winning bidder will be notified and all they need to do is pickup the cake Friday!

We will list each week’s donation and the cake that earned it here every week.
If you want to be included as a recipient, please click here for the application!

Thank you immensely for your support of ’52 Cakes.’ Have a fantastic day!”