Who We Are

We are five dedicated students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville who are working to improve the plight of foster care children. We have made it our mission to make a positive impact in foster children's lives by making them feel known, special, and loved. That’s why we have started this campaign pairing with a local nonprofit organization, Bakeroos.

Bakeroos is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that practices baking, decorating, and delivering personalized birthday cakes for children placed in foster homes in Knoxville, TN. They have created and delivered many cakes over the two years they have been an organization. This seemingly simple gesture is significant in the lives of foster kids by giving the priceless gift of making them feel celebrated on their special day.

What We Need

We are seeking financial contributions in support of Bakeroos to help in expanding their abilities to reach more foster children around Knoxville. Our goal is to raise $2,500 for Bakeroos, which would enable us to sponsor 150 birthday cakes for 150 children in foster homes. In collaboration with Bakeroos, our mission extends beyond sharing cakes; it’s about sharing love and a brighter future for the lives of local foster children.

Your generous gift of a birthday cake holds immeasurable value in the life of a foster child that might otherwise go uncelebrated. It will serve as a testament that they are special and valued and serve as a treasured memory that they will carry with them. Even more importantly, the children will be given the warmth of feeling loved and celebrated on their special day. Your donation, no matter the size, is a step toward illuminating a brighter future and empowering children in foster homes.

How It Helps

Currently, there are over 391,000 children in foster care in the United States and as of 2022, the state of Tennessee alone had 9,041 children placed in foster homes with 800 in Knox County. Taking in a foster child can become overwhelming for foster parents. Not having to worry about a birthday cake takes that much more pressure off of these parents. The money received will allow Bakeroo’s to fund resources they need to continue and expand their mission, allowing more foster children to receive the love they deserve on their birthday.

We invite you to join us in supporting Bakeroos to make a difference in the lives of young residents of local foster homes by making them feel cherished and celebrated every day of their lives, starting with their birthday. Every $20 donation will cover the baking, decorating, and delivery of a cake, so please include your name and any notes of encouragement you want your sponsored cake to say.

How Else You Can Help

While monetary donations are appreciated, there are many ways you can help Bakeroos. One of the best ways is by sharing our GoFundMe campaign or sharing their social media, including Facebook, X, Pinterest and LinkedIn. If you’re interested, you can also apply to become a baker and join their mission through the Bakeroos website! Every child deserves to feel special on their birthday and any donation goes a long way.