Time, Talent, and Treasure

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. - Kahlil Gibran

Throughout the Tri to End Homelessness campaign, I've seen how generosity can take many, many forms.

Yes, sometimes generosity involves money. And that's certainly important.

But it's also so much more.

It's offering coaching services, it's sponsoring our team, it's getting others involved.

It's giving our time and talents - in addition to our treasure.

My friend, running partner, and cake -baker-extraordinaire Claire is doing just that. She's giving her baking talents away to the highest bidder in her office and donating the funds raised to Genesis Home. You can read all about her cake auction below -- AND if you'd like to get in on the yummy fun , just shoot me an Email and I'll connect you with Claire. Bidding starts on Monday!

Thanks for your generosity, Claire!

* * *
Dear Cake Fans:

My friend and training partner Robyn has spent the last two years and untold miles running, biking and swimming to raise money and awareness about homelessness. She is nearing her goal race (the Battleship Half Ironman Triathlon in Wilmington on Nov. 1) and her fund-raising goal of $7,300 (in honor of the 70.3 miles she’ll cover that day). You can read all about it at her blog, tritoendhomelessness.blogspot.com. That site will also take you to a donation site for the Genesis Home in Durham, a shelter for families transitioning out of homelessness.

Her total commitment has inspired me, and her efforts have taught me that homelessness is something that affects all of us, whether we know it or not.

I cannot write her a huge check, but I love to bake.

So, on to the DETAILS!

Bidding starts at 8 a.m. Monday 9-8 and ends promptly at 3 p.m. Friday 9-12. The highest bidder by 3 p.m. Friday will receive a cake of their choice, baked for an occasion of their choice.

It’s a great opportunity to team up with your department, your floor, etc. to chow down.

If you win, I will bake for you sometime between now and the end of the calendar year, on a mutually agreed-upon date and time. Décor is not my strong suit, but I can do basic stuff.

I’m open to flavor requests, but here are some popular options. Cakes are two-layer, 10-inch round cakes that serve ~24 unless otherwise indicated:

The CROWD PLEASER: 24 devil’s food cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting (tinted for the occasion? Carolina Blue? Orange for Halloween?)

The BIGWIG: Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Favorite of our fearless leaders!

The WEDDING CAKE: Yellow/white cake with vanilla buttercream frosting. You've had it at every wedding you've attended.

The RED VELVET CAKE: Enough said. Also with cream cheese frosting.

And finally, MY PERSONAL FAVORITE: Chocolate pound cake smothered in chocolate ganache icing. If you don’t know what ganache is, your life is incomplete. (This is a bundt cake.)

Bidding starts at $70. Anyone (or any team) who comes up with $500 automatically gets a cake. To complete your end of the bargain, you must submit your contribution right away via Genesis Home’s PayPal site (please put Tri to End Homelessness in the subject line) or hand me a check made out to Genesis Home on the spot.

Claire