Cub Scouts committed to cakes for a tasty fundraiser

When it comes to sweet fundraisers, few can rival the sweetness of a young group of Cub Scouts creating cakes and then encouraging bidders to purchase the sweet confectionery at auction.

The troop members of Cub Scout Pack 357 will put on their sweetest smiles to entice bidders during the annual Cub Scout Pack 357 cake auction on March 4 at Millersburg United Methodist Church, east of Millersburg.

The auction will begin at 7 p.m. with judging and check-in beginning at 6:30 p.m. for the Scouts. The public is invited to join in this festive evening that features some of the wildest, most inventive cakes around, cakes that include campfire scenes, construction vehicles, athletic themes, colorful displays and more.

Close to three-dozen cakes will be available, and what is more intriguing is the cakes were made from scratch by the Scouts and their parents, meaning they got to spend quality time together.

“I think the kids have as much fun making the cakes as they do on the night of the auction,” said Alison Miller, cubmaster and secretary for both Wayne and Holmes Cub Scouts of America. “They can design and make any kind of cake they want to make. We have seen some really imaginative cakes over the years. We have done this for years with our own boys, and we have had an absolute blast trying to make cakes that are fun and interesting.”

Earlier this winter the Scouts spent some of that fun activity time building picnic tables.

“The tables are something new,” Miller said. “In December we always have some type of woodworking project for the boys to do. The past several years we had the boys make something for themselves, but this year we decided that we would try something different and built these tables. Some of the Scouts and a few of our leaders took the tables over to the property and surprised the owner, which was really a lot of fun.”

The idea of the picnic tables arose because Pack 357 spends time camping at a local property that needed some new tables. The Scouts are able to camp there for free, and they decided to build him the new tables.

“The boys had a blast making those tables as a service project, so we decided why not make one and have it at the cake auction and sell it at auction,” Miller said.

The table at the auction is not stained. The lumber for the tables was purchased at a discounted price. Keim Lumber and the Scouts went to work crafting the tables.

“The boys did a really nice job, and they are really well-made, sturdy tables,” Miller said.

According to Miller, Scouting relies heavily on the support of local people and businesses to help meet the needs of area Scouting troops. All of the leadership positions in troops are on a volunteer basis, so all of the proceeds from these types of events go directly toward purchases the Scouts can put to good use.

This auction and the annual popcorn sale are Pack 357’s main fundraisers. Miller said the support they have gotten over the years from a number of loyal businesses and individuals has always been inspirational, and they would love to see more area businesses turn out to the event.

“All of the funds go to help pay for awards, Scouting events and camping trips,” Miller said. “This year we have about 30 boys who are looking forward to camp and other trips and activities.”

Those trips have included treks to McKinley Museum, Toledo Museum of Art, Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village and more.

Miller also said the Scouts continue to find ways to serve and improve the community.

“Every year we clean the trail, donate food to the local pantries and visit local nursing homes,” Miller said.

For a minimum investment at the auction, patrons can have maximum fun in helping to provide funds that drive the Pack 357 mission. Should anyone like to make a donation who can’t attend on auction night, they may do so by sending a check to Cub Scout Pack 357, c/o Alison Miller, 6844 County Road 68, Millersburg, OH 44654.