Baking for Charity (BFC) is a club at The Emery/Weiner School dedicated to supporting several different charitable organizations through their monthly bake sales. The club has over 50 members, led by President Nicole Hampton and Vice President Elsa Koenig.

Koenig noted how “she loves the way the club supports causes that are close to Emery and the community.” For example, soon after beloved Profe Meinecke was diagnosed with breast cancer, the club pridefully raised hundreds of dollars for breast cancer research and awareness. A few months later, the club raised money for GEMAS Casa MyR, an organization that provides housing and supplies for low-income women seeking higher education in the area by Dr. Profe Rios and his parents. BFC notably takes great pride in supporting Emery and its causes, reflecting Emery’s core values of Tikkun Olam and a tight-knit community.

In addition to Emery-related causes, BFC has raised money to support an array of other charities and organizations: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Shearn Elementary (a low resource school across the street from Emery), the ALS association, and more. BFC has hosted a few online silent auctions, allowing members of the Emery community to bid on goods ranging from red velvet cookies, to chocolate-covered pretzels, and more. Earlier this year,“Last action,” sent to the TIRR center at Memorial Hermann featured a personalized minion cake by Mrs. Bendayan, the sponsor of the club. This highly desired dessert went for $50, leaving students and club members excited to see what she makes at the next bake sale.

President of the club, Nicole Hampton, adds, “We work to use our own interests and talent in baking to support charities that we care about.” It is important to note that the club is constantly changing to allow for larger support as it follows the interests of its members and responds to occurrences in the Emery community. 

Over the years, the Baking for Charity Club has become an integral part of Emery student life, as students look forward to buying baked goods monthly during lunch. It is important for Emery to support charitable organizations to subsequently raise awareness about certain issues, which ultimately strengthens the community.