{buttercream, sugar and a little imagination}

The 5th annual Great Cake Bake to benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library was Saturday and it was such a sweet success! We had more than 150 cake entries beautifully displayed in Neyland Stadium, vendors, a bake sale and cupcake decorating for the kids. It always amazes me at the talented cake decorators we have in East Tennessee. I am truly blown away and so very grateful for the community support around this event and Imagination Library. More than 1,400 people attend the event and we raised more than $20,000 to purchase books for children in Knox County. 

This is our largest fundraiser of the year, so a lot of preparation goes into making sure it is as perfect as possible. This is my second year running the event, and I have learned so very much about cakes!

1. There is a HUGE difference between fondant vs. buttercream!

2. Dolly Parton can be made into a cake... and she still looks fabulous.

3. Most display cakes are not cakes at all. They are made out of styrofoam.

4. Cake decorators are competitive. Very competitive.

5. There is no such thing as an impossible cake design. I have seen it all from Ferris Wheels to bunnies to the most incredible designs on the tiniest cupcakes- they are all truly a work of art! 

{love!}

{diaper cake}

{my favorite vendor: InFlight Celebrations}

{incredible wedding cake}

{my all time favorite cake from GCB 2013}

What a fabulous weekend that wouldn't have been possibly without all of my wonderful co-workers and friends who also believe in the importance of early literacy and the magic of a little butter cream! 

We are already planning new and exciting ideas for The Great Cake Bake 2015! More details coming soon!

p.s. My favorite part about The Great Cake Bake is all proceeds benefit my favorite organization, Imagination Library! We mail one book each month to all children in Knox County under the age of 5 in Knox County, at no cost to the family! To register your child, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com. It doesn't get much sweeter than this!!

p.p.s. This event is not recommended if you have a serious sweet tooth, or like me, have a huge gala next weekend and your dress is already a little snug :)