In 1998, after reading an article about a woman in St. Louis who began making cakes for children in homeless shelters, co-founder Marilyn Pritchard took the idea to her friend, Mary McNulty. Recognizing the tremendous impact such a simple act of kindness could have on an individual, Marilyn and Mary decided to begin making cakes for children in shelters right where they lived, the greater Milwaukee area.

Their first cake was delivered on March 5, 1999, and You Are Special has continued to grow. From a handful of volunteer bakers providing cakes to children in homeless and domestic abuse shelters, the organization has evolved into a clearinghouse of more than 100 volunteers who bake and deliver cakes to men, women and children in more than 20 facilities spanning five counties in Southeast Wisconsin. These facilities include programs that serve many who are often forgotten; those who are homeless, at-risk, abused, developmentally impaired, struggling to overcome addiction or simply unable to care for themselves.

And these cakes aren’t just for birthdays anymore. We celebrate milestones, such as graduations or meeting goals in overcoming addiction.

In addition to cakes, our volunteer bakers provide cookies to U.S. troops stationed overseas and here at home during the holidays. Since 2006, more than 470,000 cookies have been made with love and sent around the world.

Beyond baking, our organization has grown to serve as a convener between our community partners and our volunteers. Simply put, we connect those who want to help with those in need of help.