Left Hand Laurel Amy Klein

At her daughter-in-law's suggestion, Niwot's Amy Klein found a way to combine her love for kids with her love for baking. The result is the fastest growing chapter of Cake4Kids in the country.

For her volunteer efforts, Klein is the April 2024 recipient of a Left Hand Laurel.

"My daughter-in-law moved to California and told me about it four years ago," Klein recalled. The non-profit organization is based in California, but has chapters all over the country, but Klein discovered that Colorado did not have a chapter.

So she started one from her home in Niwot. "We have 360 bakers," Klein said. The organization's focus is simple. Volunteers bake birthday cakes for kids who would not likely have a birthday cake. "Some of the kids have never received a birthday cake before," Klein said.

Cake4Kids partners with over 40 agencies throughout the state, including Sister Carmen, Safe Shelter and TGTHR (formerly Attention Homes). "We bake cakes for kids in foster care, kids at homeless shelters, domestic violence victims, basically any kid who is at-risk," Klein said.

She described a typical call from an agency – "We've got a 12-year-old who loves chocolate cake. And he's a huge Bronco's fan." From there, Klein and her volunteers go to work, creating a memorable birthday experience when they deliver the cake to the agency, which then delivers the cake to the child.

"We have lots of home bakers," Klein said, but noted that they also have professional bakers and a baking school in Boulder that contributes cakes.

Word of the organization's purpose has spread throughout the state. "People have heard about us through news channels, word of mouth, and the Left Hand Valley Courier," she said. Cake4Kids is also a Tip Jar recipient at the Rock & Rails summer concert series in Niwot, which provides additional exposure as well as funding.

Klein and her husband John, who works at Medtronic, moved to Niwot eight years ago. Their oldest son is a second-year resident at Aurora Medical Center, and they also have a son who is a freshman at Wake Forest University, and a daughter who is a sophomore at Niwot High School. "She plays volleyball and is involved with Helping Hands," Klein said.

Klein's volunteer efforts don't end with Cake4Kids. In addition, Klein is part of the Women's Guild at Community Food Share. "We help raise money and create events," Klein said, describing the group's efforts at Boulder County's best known food bank.

She has also been secretary of WINC (Women's International Club of Niwot) for the past several years. "Deanne Grover and Deb Fowler got me involved," Klein said. "We support local charities and get together often. It's been a great way to get to know Niwot and creates a lot of community."