By: Sikeeseà (KeKe) Garrett
The Cookie Kindness Project began with a simple but powerful idea. A cookie, though small, can carry big meaning. A group of volunteer pastry chefs, bakers, food writers, and culinary creatives from across the Mid Atlantic came together to prove just that. Their goal was clear. Raise funds for local nonprofit-organizations that support youth and families. They have helped raise over $55,000 for nonprofits across the Mid-Atlantic. Each cookie they baked was more than a dessert. It was an offering of care, a symbol of equity, and a reminder that kindness always has a place.
This summer, Sasha Bruce Youthwork had the honor of becoming the newest partner of the Cookie Kindness Project. The introduction came through Clyde’s Restaurant Group, who recommended SBY as a trusted and amazing nonprofit serving youth and families in Washington, D.C., and Prince George’s County, MD. It was the beginning of something beautiful.
Not long after, Yesenia Jarquin and Rochelle Cooper reached out with excitement, warmth, and curiosity. Their energy was contagious. After learning more about SBY’s mission and the youth we walk alongside every day, they were fully invested in collaborating. We came together, shared our visions, aligned our goals, and quickly built something that felt both meaningful and joyful.
The plan was to sell 100 “Summer Nostalgia” cookie boxes at $100 each, raising $10,000 for SBY’s youth and family services. From the start, this project was built on creativity and care. Our marketing and communications manager, Paula Gongora, worked closely with Rochelle to design logos, animations, and promotional materials that would bring the project to life. Over four weeks, we shared vibrant and heartfelt social media posts that spread love in both directions, from our community to the bakers, and from the bakers back to the community.
The support was immediate. Before pickup day even arrived, more than half the boxes were sold. The project received major attention from local media, including a feature on ABC7 Washington on July 18th and another on FOX 5 News on July 23rd, featuring Shaunda Patterson-Strachan, Board Chair. This visibility helped more people learn not just about the cookies, but about the lives they were helping to uplift.
On Sunday, July 27th, our cookie pickup event took place at The Hamilton in downtown Washington. The space was filled with warmth and gratitude as people picked up their cookie boxes and celebrated the effort behind every bite. It was not just a campaign or project. It was a gathering of people who believe in the power of community, collaboration, and compassion.
This campaign was a success on every level. Clyde’s, The Hamilton, the Cookie Kindness Project, Yesenia, Rochelle, and so many others that made SBY feel deeply seen and appreciated. Through this project, we also gained a new understanding of what is possible when people unite around a shared purpose.
We did not just sell cookies. We told a story of connection. We offered something delicious, yes, but we also offered hope.
And to the talented bakers who made this possible, your cookies were more than delicious. They were filled with heart:
- Alex Reponan @Dappperfoxbakery – Orange Creamsicle
- Jill Nguyen @Capitoljillbaking – Toasty Rye S’mores Cookie
- Michelle Poteaux @Bastilleva Valrhona – Brookie
- Joseph Allen @Oldebbit – Bomb Pop Cookie
- Tricia Barba @Preservationbiscuitco – Chocolate Chip Mini Biscuit
- Jeanne Richardson @Marie_josephine_sugarart – Neapolitan Sablé
- Kaity Mitchell @Kaity_mitchell21 – Lemon-blueberry Crinkle Cookies
- Kendra Stephens Of Christ House Dc – Oreo-grahams
- Rochelle Cooper @Shakinbaker219 – S’mores Rice Krispy Treats
- Wendy Wicker of Cookie Kindness Project, Cherry Ribbons
- Sophie Wang & Michael Leonard @Sophie.J.wang @Flavor.Perfection – Miso Earl Grey CCC
- Yesenia Jarquin @Yesenia.Jarquindc – Concha Cookie
- Chelsea Tan @Chiboobakery – Funfetti Almond Cookie
- Chiara Bogni @Chiara.Bogni – Matcha & Ciocco
- Vanessa Jarquin @J_nesssa – Cosmic Brownies
- Pichet Ong @Pichetong – Sweet Salty Nutty Cookie
- Doron Petersan @Bakedbysticky – Chocolate Chip
- Ana Sofia Pino @Lutecdc – Coconut Caramel Shortbread
- Joy Razo @Djraz0107 – Black Forest
- Carmelo Gil @chef.carmelogil – Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie
- Jenna Huntsberger @Whiskeddc – Chocolate Blackout Cookie (V)
- Dru Tevis @Brulebydru @Pastrychefdru – Fruity Pebble Cookie
- Jamie Silver @Js926 – @eatzinnia – Choc Chip Banana Latte Cookie
- Caitlin Dysart @Catlindysart Strawberry Basil Cornmeal Cookie
- Audrey Angeles @Frostandflourishdmv – Strawberrydoodle
- Shannon Boyle – Summer Ice Cream Cone Shortbread
- Nicole Flint @Nicoleskitchendc – Salty Caramel Popcorn Cookies
- Lisa Francis @Thefederallunch – Salted Chocolate Chunk Shortbread
- Tawonda Boyd @Sweettreatsdmv – Waffle Cone Ice Cream Sundae Cookie
Stay tuned for more Sasha Bruce Youthwork projects in 2026!
