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Launched: May 2021
Fun Fact: Boston Cream Pie is the official dessert of Massachusetts. It was invented at the Parker House Hotel in Boston in 1881.
Help Cake4Kids Boston deliver more smiles!
About
Tali Pinnolis, Greater Boston Area Co-Ambassador
What or who inspired your love of baking?
Growing up in a Jewish household meant we celebrated a lot of holidays and cooked a lot of food. From an early age my mother included me in all the cooking and baking preparations, and it became my favorite part of each holiday. I grew up cooking and baking alongside my mother and continue that tradition to this day.
What’s your favorite thing to bake?
I really love baking pies. Apple pie might be my favorite dessert. My family also loves pies, so much so that they request birthday pies instead of birthday cakes. Pie seems like such a simple dessert, and yet there’s a lot of technique that goes into making the perfect pie, from how you mix the pie dough to selecting the right apples for the filling. Pie also lends itself perfectly to the second best dessert, ice cream.
Why did you want to start Cake4Kids in your area?
There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone's face light up when given a dessert, especially when celebrating a special occasion. Everyone deserves that experience and none more than a child on their birthday. During the COVID crisis, I saw how comforting desserts can be, not just because of the obvious sugar rush, but because they also symbolized something joyous at a time when everything felt stressful and overwhelming. When I discovered Cake4Kids, I immediately knew that I wanted to use my skills and connections as a pastry chef to bring the organization to Boston.
Elise Thomas, Greater Boston Area Co-Ambassador
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I live in South Boston with my husband, Gregg, and have two children, ages 20 and 22. My oldest son has a severe peanut and nut allergy which motivated me to bake all of my children’s birthday cakes while they were growing up. I have also made many birthday and celebratory cakes and cupcakes for friends over the years.
When I’m not baking, you can find me skiing, hiking, reading, traveling, or working as a crisis counselor for The Trevor Project.
What or who inspired your love of baking?
My children inspired me to bake and be creative. I loved seeing their delight at the cake creation each birthday! My favorite thing to bake is cupcakes. I particularly enjoy working with fondant to make theme-specific designs.
What is the first thing you ever baked?
The first thing I ever baked was a donut recipe I read about in a Winnie-the Pooh book when I was about 7. My grandmother and I made it together!
Why did you want to help lead Cake4Kids in your area?
Finding Cake4Kids was the perfect opportunity to share my passion for baking with others. When I first inquired, the Boston Chapter had not yet launched due to delays because of the Covid pandemic so I helped fellow Ambassador, Tali Pinnolis, get the Boston Chapter up and running. I am super excited to be a part of an organization that helps underserved youth feel celebrated and recognized on their special day.
If you’re interested in baking, please visit the Volunteer page!
If you are a caseworker or work at an agency and are interested in partnering with Cake4Kids to receive free cakes for your youth, please visit Who We Help to request our services!
If you still have questions, please contact me at tali@cake4kids.org.
Upcoming Events
For all of Cake4Kids' upcoming events, see the Events page!
Photos from Past Events
Cake4Kids Greater Boston Area In the News
For all the latest about Cake4Kids, see the News page!
Ready to Help?
Donate today or sign up to volunteer with Cake4Kids Greater Boston Area!