The Sweetest Gift

Taken from www.sweetblessings.org

Taken from www.sweetblessings.org

 Ashley Gann did not start her baking career until her thirties, but once she did, she knew that God wanted her to make a difference in the world with the cakes she made. It was not until her pastor started talking about ways to help those in need in Lexington, that Ashley decided to found Sweet Blessings. 

Taken from www.sweetblessings.org

In 2011, the non-profit organization, Sweet Blessings, was started by Ashley. The organization is faith based, with a mission to express God's love by creating birthday cakes for children that are suffering from illnesses or living in poverty. The first cake created by Sweet Blessings was in February 2011 for a child named Dalton. Dalton received the cake on his 8th birthday, two years after being involved in a car accident that caused a traumatic brain injury. The cake was taken to the Ronald McDonald House, and Dalton was so excited that he got up from his wheelchair to get a closer look at the cake. Dalton's mother claimed that his happiness from receiving the cake was a "blessing."

Taken from www.sweetblessings.org

Taken from www.sweetblessings.org

Sweet Blessings believes that every child should feel special on his/her birthday, not reminded of poverty or illness. Sweet Blessings takes referrals from schools, churches, and social services and uses the information provided to create a cake specific for the child in need. Each cake is unique, reflective of the child's interests and hobbies. The cakes are beautiful, made with love, and sent to the children with an endless amount of prayers. 

After learning about the difference that Sweet Blessings has made in children's lives, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this organization. The unforgettable cakes spread joy to every child that receives one, and for a moment, the thought of poverty or not being about to live to see another birthday disappears. I believe strongly in the power of prayer, and Sweet Blessings is an organization that spreads prayer, joy, and God's love. I am both eager and excited to play a role in giving a child an incredible birthday experience and scrumptious cake.

Taken from www.sweetblesings.org

 I was fortunate enough to visit the organization on February 2nd, and I loved every second of it. From boxing cakes to doing a ton of dishes, I was thrilled to know that I was helping to make a child in need smile. The jobs can range anywhere from writing birthday cards to decorating the cakes, but it doesn't matter what job I may be assigned. Any job will contribute to spreading God's love. To me, that is the sweetest gift of all. 
   

Blessings,

Rachel Gootee