Following the Need

I had been kicking around the idea of getting involved and giving back for a while when I first moved to Maryland four years ago. I asked friends and associates for suggestions. Someone told me about Idealist; I did some basic online research. I then got really busy at work and my intent was sidelined for a bit.

However, destiny may have had a hand in confirming that this was the time for me to begin some sort of community service, as what I determined to be the perfect match was delivered right to my desk. Well, to my computer screen.

I received a notice of an event taking place near me in Baltimore; it was called a Buttercream Ball. Hmm? Buttercream? Now, that sounded like something I would want to know more about.

After some further digging, I traced the event back to an organization that delivers elaborate dream cakes to chronically and critically ill children, Icing Smiles.

What a great opportunity, I thought—combining two of my favorite things: kids and cakes. What could be better? In fact, I could see myself delivering boxes of sugary happiness. I imagined singing “Happy Birthday” and visiting with the children, hopefully bringing a bright spot to their day. I would really get a greater sense of my community and feel like I was doing something impactful.

I couldn’t wait until the end of the day so I could reach out and see where and how to get involved. I mentioned my discovery to some friends and my boyfriend, and knowing me, they also agreed this would be a wonderful match. I began to envision the perfect role for myself and my background, meeting with their Sugar Angels