A cupcake can’t fix everything… but it sure can help! In the right hands, it can deliver something pretty powerful: comfort, celebration, and connection.
That’s the heart behind Nicole Cullen’s kindness project from Make Life Sweet BakeShoppe. As a cottage baker, Nicole is using her talent to bring a little birthday magic to families affected by the Eaton Fires. With help from a $1,000 Kindness Grant, she’s offering free custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies to kids who have lost so much, turning what could be a difficult day into one filled with sweetness, joy, and love.
Each family can choose a made-to-order dessert that serves 15–20 people, giving them a chance to gather, celebrate, and create new memories in the face of hardship. Because even in challenging times, birthdays still matter. Celebrating still matters. Feeling seen and supported by your community still matters.
Nicole knows this deeply. As someone who’s personally experienced fire evacuations, she remembers how scary it can be for children, and how meaningful it is to feel like someone is thinking of you. That empathy is baked into every order she creates.
Our team was moved by the heart and hope behind this project. It’s a beautiful example of our Building Thriving Communities pillar in action, meeting people where they are, and bringing kindness to life through small but deeply meaningful gestures.
We’re proud to support Nicole’s mission, and we can’t wait to see how this sweet ripple continues to grow.
➡️ Want to follow along? Check out @makelifesweetbakeshoppe on Instagram
➡️ Got a kindness project of your own? Apply for a $1,000 Kindness Grant at tdbff.org/kindness-grants
Photo Courtesy of Nicole Cullen