Amidst the sweet smell of freshly baked cupcakes, curious kids gaze at an array of designs, characters, and flavors like it is candy. With help from the volunteers, parents carefully pick out the quirkiest design their kid will love, all while telling them to keep their hands off the table. Each cupcake was packed with love, brought in by home volunteers and Hoffman’s culinary class.
Cupcakes with Friends is an annual October event where teachers and students come together to offer a variety of activities, including cupcake sales, drumming, dancing, face painting, raffles, and more. Proceeds go towards to Hoffman’s Special Education Activities.
“I loved being able to help because I really got a chance to see how much the community supports our Special Education department, ” said Juliet Brady, volunteer. “It was so fun to set up with my friends and get to help people find the perfect cupcakes.”
Both volunteers and parents have made Cupcakes with Friends an annual commitment, with many coming back each year to support a cause that is near and dear to their hearts, “This is my third year volunteering and it was my favorite part to see individuals come back to be a part of the community every year,” said Amina Cuturic, volunteer.
Beyond cupcakes, the event featured baskets that were filled with prizes donated from local organizations or people. Additionally, the Special Education students put a personal element to the event by making their own drawings that were featured on custom water bottles, allowing them to show their creativity.
“Cupcakes with Friends means so much to me because it shows what a true community can look like,” said Katie McGarvey, event coordinator. “From the volunteers, to the attendees, to the people who donate, it’s amazing when people can come together to support acceptance and inclusion at HEHS.”
