If you want to hang out with Cassandra Sigala on the weekends, you’re going to need to know how to decorate cupcakes.
“You better know how to use sprinkles,” Sigala said.
Every weekend Sigala bakes hundreds of those miniature cakes for Cupcakes Fighting Cancer, a nonprofit Sigala founded to raise money and awareness for children diagnosed with cancer.
The nonprofit’s origins date back to 2009 when Sigala was a senior at Pioneer Valley High School. Being on the student council and in college preparation courses at the time, Sigala was already steering toward somehow getting involved in her community.
At the time, a woman named Sandi Chavez contacted Sigala for help. Chavez’s granddaughter Rosie had cancer, and Sigala sold cupcakes she baked to help raise money for the family. That was her first experience being personally involved with a child who had cancer.
Rosie later died. But knowing her was a watershed moment for Sigala, who said she remembers Rosie as always smiling, despite her suffering.
“She was the first child we had fundraised for, and the first child we ever lost,” Sigala said. “Since then, fighting childhood cancer has been my priority.”
Sigala continued her cupcake charity work in Sacramento for several years before moving back to Santa Maria in January. She came back following a cancer scare with her mom, but it turned out to be a false alarm. That hasn’t stopped her baking activities, though.
The work begins on Friday when Sigala rounds up her volunteers with a text message. She gathers ingredients at the store, stops at a local bakery for decorations, makes a quick stop at Main Street Donuts to pick up some boxes, then she meets up with her volunteers at her home where the 48-hour bake session begins. She has double ovens, allowing her to bake up to 50 at a time.
All of this baking has turned her into a connoisseur. Presentation is key, Sigala said. For her, they are more than just cupcakes.
“I look at the cupcakes, and I don’t see them as cupcakes,” Sigala said. “I see them as making a difference. The more I bake, the more I know this is going to change someone’s financial situation or someone’s view on childhood cancer.”
Sigala doesn’t sell her cupcakes, but instead connects with businesses and organizations across the Central Coast to host charity events. On May 1, Sigala raised $650 during the Friday Bike Night event at Santa Maria Harley-Davidson on Preisker Lane, which matched the funds. For the rest of the summer she’ll be a regular at Bike Night. The next event is on June 5.
She only accepts donations. Sigala’s nonprofit distinguishes itself from any other charity because Sigala gives all proceeds directly to families to help with everyday needs like buying groceries, paying bills, or buying toys for kids.
“It makes families feel more comfortable,” Sigala said.
Sigala’s next event is the first Cupcakes and Cocktails Women’s Luncheon, which will be held at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge on May 17 from 12 to 4 p.m. Guest speakers include Santa Maria City Councilmember Etta Waterfield, and Dr. Monica Rocco, a surgeon at Mission Hope Cancer Center. There will be a photo booth, giveaway bags, an auction, cupcakes, and possibly a hug from Sigala, who considers herself very a personable person.
“I like giving hugs,” Sigala said.
The proceeds from the cupcakes will go toward decorating the hospital rooms of local children fighting cancer.
Sigala is on a mission.
“I realize how valuable time is and I’ll live my life someday, but I’d rather be here for now,” Sigala said. “I feel fortunate to be personally involved.”
To host a cupcake charity event with Cupcakes Fighting Cancer, contact Cassandra Sigala by phone at 478-8402, by email at cupcakesfightingcancer@gmail.com, or find her nonprofit on Facebook and Instagram.
Highlights
• The Manufacturer’s Association is organizing tours of the new Santa Maria Police Department building on May 26. Get to know the new 70,000 square foot building at 1111 W. Betteravia Road, which is nearing completion and will serve as the new headquarters for the SMPD. In addition to law enforcement purposes, the building will also provides space for businesses. There is no cost for the tour, but an RSVP is required. To attend, send an email to register@santamaria.com, or call 925-2403, Ext. 812.
Staff Writer David Minsky wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, email, or mail.
This article appears in May 14-21, 2015.