Even the TV show’s host was crying.
During the “Rad Humans” segment on her talk show, Kelly Clarkson introduced the nonprofit Cake4Kids—and before long, the emotional moment sent happy tears streaming down everyone’s face.
For 15 years, the network of volunteer bakers have been providing custom birthday cakes for homeless kids, foster children, and others dealing with difficult circumstances—and it’s on pace to deliver 20,000 cakes this year.
“They get to choose the flavor and the theme, so it’s personalized just for them, exactly what they want—whether it’s cupcakes, cookies, bars, brownies, or cakes,” explained Cake4Kids Executive Director Alison Bakewell (no pun intended).
It all began in California when Libby Gruender was inspired by an article to start making cakes for foster kids and at-risk youth in the San Francisco area. Before passing away in 2013, Gruender and her volunteers had donated 13 cakes and started a movement that would soon extend across the country, receiving requests from social service agencies that work with kids across the country.
Gruender’s legacy now lives on with a nonprofit that has more than 25 chapters nationwide, delivering joy via baked goods in every corner of America.
“The biggest ingredient that we put in is the love that we feel,” said Roberta, a volunteer baker for Cakes4Kids who was invited to be on the show after creating 825 cakes for kids in need since 2018.
On that day, Clarkson had a surprise waiting in the wings for her.
Clarkson introduced a mom, Kasandra, whose daughter received a custom Toy Story cake. Kasandra, her husband, and their two daughters were dealing with tough times and living together in a small rented room.
“Receiving a cake and seeing my daughter get excited over it made her birthday really magical. You were the one who baked my daughter her first cake,” Kasandra informed Roberta live on the show.
The tears started flowing and Clarkson got up to grab some tissues. (See the video below.)
“I am going to need a minute,” she quipped, overwhelmed with emotion.
Kasandra carried on through tears to express her gratitude: “Sometimes we’re not able to, you know, give her everything that we want. So, seeing her really happy, seeing all the characters on the cake really made me and my husband grateful for you guys.”
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Then, the elaborate Toy Story cake was shown on the big screen, which made the live audience swoon, while a big check for $5,000 was presented to the nonprofit.
It was a poignant reminder of the loving care that gets poured into every cake they bake—and the joy that rises up as a result.
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