Ashley Brooks is selling cupcakes to fight childhood cancer.
The UF economics junior is raising money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a nonprofit that supports children’s cancer research through the sale of baked goods. Brooks said she wants to raise $500 each month.
She founded Ashley’s Cupcakes after reading about Cookies for Kids’ Cancer on the back of a King Arthur flour bag, the 20-year-old said.
Brooks, who is on a pre-med track, said she wanted to help the charity.
“I’ve had family members who have been affected by cancer, so cancer research is close to my heart,” she said.
Brooks started planning the cupcake sale at the beginning of the semester. She said she tested recipes, tried different ingredients and registered herself with the charity.
“It’s been a process, but I’ve got it to now where I can start selling,” she said.
Brooks started advertising her cupcakes on Facebook this week and said she hopes to join the Union Street Farmer’s Market.
“My goal this week is to reach more people,” she said.
Nichole Hyde, Brooks’ roommate, said she helps keep track of finances.
“I am just in charge of keeping track of the money as it comes in,” the UF accounting senior said.
Brooks is selling her cupcakes for $1.50 each, with $1 of that going to charity.
“I make the cupcakes completely from scratch,” she said. “I try to find the best-quality ingredients I can.”
Contact Meryl Kornfield at mkornfield@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @MerylKornfield.
