Bake For Hope: A Sweet Success

Claire Lawton | May 11, 2010 | 5:16pm

Oh, sweet success.

If you stopped by one of the 14 Valley Bake for Hope bake sales last week, you probably spotted Julie Zagars and her pink wig.

Zagars, the Regional Director, says the events held May 2 through May 8, were a huge success. Grassroots teams in Arizona raised approximately $6000 -- nearly doubling last year's effort.

Bake sales were held nationwide (last year's national efforts raised 30k) and are completely volunteer-run.

All proceeds are donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure charities and funds will be used for breast health education, screening and treatment programs, and breast cancer research grants.

Zagars says proceeds raised in Arizona will stay local and will support Valley women and the Phoenix Susan G. Komen affiliate. Unsold baked goods were also donated to Chrysalis, UMOM, and women's charity in Chandler.

"Many of my fellow "Hopeful Bakers" have become among my closest friends here in Arizona," says Zagars. "And I love that my fellow bakers are so willing to share their latest recipes for peanut butter-filled chocolate cookies, corn on the cob cupcakes decorated with jelly beans, cake pops made to look like Hello Kitty, mini lemon bundt cakes, double chocolate whiskey cake, and buckwheat dog treats!"

While the treats are now gone (and eaten), donations are still being accepted on the Bake for Hope Web site, where it's possible to simply donate, purchase virtual cupcakes or take home some sweet Bake for Hope swag.

Click through to see more Bake for Hope food porn: