Local pastry chef Jason Hisley, winner of the Food Network’s “Cake Wars” and “Holiday Wars,” will host the second installment of Weekend Backpacks’ virtual food fundraising series, Cupcake Decorating, on Sunday, May 16, from 3 to 4 p.m.
Weekend Backpacks is a Pikesville-based nonprofit that provides nutritious meals to Baltimore City youth on weekends.
“When I was approached with the idea of hosting this event, I jumped at the chance,” said Hisley, founder and executive chef of Cake by Jason Hisley (cakebyjason.com) in Lutherville-Timonium. “I get to teach others how to do what I love most and help support the children in my community of Baltimore at the same time. I can’t think of anything better than that.”
At the event, Hisley will reveal his secrets for creating the perfect cupcake while guiding participants through how to decorate baked goods like the professionals. The event is open to the public.
“This is the perfect opportunity for friends and families to do something fun and creative together that also gives back,” said Stu Dettelbach, president of Weekend Backpacks. “It’s inspiring to see how many people deeply care and get excited about what we’re doing to help ease the pressure these children and families experience on a daily basis. When we band together, we can accomplish many incredible things to help the community.”
With a volunteer base of more than 300 people that assembles and delivers the bags, Weekend Backpacks — founded in 2015 under the auspices of Miriam Lodge — is supported by Women of Baltimore Hebrew and maintains a long-standing relationship with Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation.
Weekend Backpacks was conceived by retired local educator Sandie Nagel with her late husband, Fred, and their friend, Carolyn Cooperman.
From 2019 to 2020, the number of meals provided by Weekend Backpacks doubled from nearly 300,000 to 630,000, due to the pandemic.
Proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing essential food items provided to children every Friday such as canned vegetables, tuna or chicken, a loaf of bread, peanut butter, fruit cups or apples and other staples. Bags distributed by Weekend Backpacks contain enough food to feed three children up to six meals.
The minimum donation to participate in the virtual Cupcake Decorating fundraiser is $45, which includes six pre-made cupcakes courtesy of Cake by Jason Hisley and all decorating supplies such as icing, an icing bag, decorating tips and other specialty items. Decorating kit pickup will take place from 10- to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, at 1505 Bedford Ave. in Pikesville.
This event is part of Weekend Backpacks’ four-part virtual Chefs’ Event Reimagined food series. Additional events within the series will take place later this year, including BBQ and Brew and Artisanal Breads. Those interested can register for one or more of the three remaining events at a discount by visiting weekendbackpacks.org/forourkids.
To learn more about Weekend Backpacks and how to get involved, visit weekendbackpacks.org
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