In the aftermath of natural disasters and devastating events, it’s hard to know how to help those in need. Monetary donations are easiest but sometimes it feels like it’s not enough. Austin Bakes began in 2011 and this past weekend’s event for Nepal was the fifth. I like that Austin Bakes not only provides a way for people to give money but it spreads awareness of a community or country’s need and it gives bakers a way to donate their time. Austin Bakes for Nepal raised $6,930.21 and counting and 100% will go to relief efforts.

The city-wide bake sale was held in eight locations around the city. I donated treats and volunteered my time at the Whole Foods Gateway location. We had a great group of volunteers at that location and plenty of donated baked goods. Our location raised $1,222.28!

Yummy goodies I went home with from Austin Bakes!

One thing I noticed was that many folks simply put a donation in the jar and thanked us for our time without picking out any baked goods. Sometimes a physical opportunity (real life bake sale) in a place of their routine (grocery store) is what someone needs to make it easy for him/her to donate.

I thought it was meaningful to spend my Friday night reflecting on Nepal as I baked. With 8,000 people dead, 19,000 injured and many homes destroyed, Nepal is in a devastating state. I can’t imagine it. I was glad for the opportunity to help out by baking. I’ve baked for Austin Bakes twice before but this was the first time donating these treats. I made the best and my favorite rice crispies recipe: Smitten Kitchen’s salted brown butter crispy treats. It is seriously delicious. I also made a peanut butter version (just added a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to the marshmallow mix) and used Brown Eyed Baker’s pound cake recipe for mini loaves.

The journey from marshmallow gooey to mixed treat to packaged treat.

The wonderful and generous people of Austin and beyond raised $6,930.21, little by little in four hours. Many people also donated online on our fundraising website and continue to do so. We are accepting donations online until May 30, so if you’d like to contribute, we’d be happy help you do so for the people of Nepal! Thank you in advance!

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