- Caregivers at Centra Southside Community Hospital participated in Cake Wars to raise money for the Helping Hands program, which assists Caregivers facing an acute, unexpected need.
- So far this year, over $125,000 has been distributed to help more than 70 Caregivers. Caregivers and community members can support Helping Hands.
- Since 2016, the program has helped over 600 Caregivers, including pharmacy technician Carlton Cyrus, who made the winning bid for one of the cakes this year and shared that it was "good to help a cause that I personally have benefited from. I give because I know it will benefit someone in need one day."
Each year, Centra Caregivers rise to the occasion.
During the fall, compassionate Caregivers at Centra Southside Community Hospital continued a tradition of participating in Cake Wars to raise money for the Helping Hands program, which assists Caregivers facing an acute, unexpected need.
“We raised over $450 for Helping Hands and brought a lot of joy to the day,” said Julie Flores, chaplain and interim director, Spiritual Care. “There is always a lot of laughter and good-natured competition. Many times folks purchase a cake and then donate it to a unit in the hospital for others to enjoy.”
This year’s competition was in October. Over the past three years, Caregivers at the hospital have raised almost $1,500 during the baking competition to help colleagues in need.
The Helping Hands program, administered by Spiritual Care and Education, is supported by community donors, Caregivers and Centra.
In 2024, when Caregivers make a gift to the Greatest Need Fund, 10% of the donation goes to support the program. Caregivers also have the option to direct 100% of their gift to the Helping Hands Fund.
So far this year, over $125,000 has been distributed to help more than 70 Caregivers. Since 2016, the program has helped over 600 Caregivers, including Carlton Cyrus, who made the winning bids for one of the cakes this year.
“It was to help a good cause that I personally have benefited from,” said Carlton, a pharmacy technician. “I give because I know it will benefit someone in need one day. You never know when you may need it.”
Such was the case for him and his family four years ago. “My family’s life changed in an instant,” he shared. “I took my wife to the ED because she could not feel her legs.”
She required emergency surgery and spent over 100 days in the hospital. During that time, “Helping Hands was a godsend,” he said.
The event is always highly anticipated.
“Caregivers are encouraged to come view the cakes, vote for their favorites and make bids on ones they would like to win. There are always favorite cakes that people really try to win. Bidding can become very intense and competitive in the final 10 minutes.”
This year’s trophy for favorite cake went to Caregivers Kayla Williams and Elizabeth Sears. They teamed up to create their “Great Big Pumpkin Charlie Brown” cake, which was not the original plan.
“I accidentally burnt the chocolate for the strawberries, Kayla said. “By quick thinking, I colored white icing orange and dipped the strawberries in that instead of the chocolate.”
Knowing that proceeds would support Helping Hands was a strong motivator to bake and participate, Kayla said.
“Helping Hands supports Caregivers in their time of need, which is critical. Our community leans on us during times of need and this fund allows us to be the same support to employees.
"Centra Caregivers have an unwavering faith in our call to serve our community and each other.”
Give hope and impact health this year! Your support is invaluable for Caregivers facing an acute, unexpected need. In 2024, when Caregivers make a gift to the Greatest Need Fund, 10% of the donation goes to support the program. Caregivers have the option to direct 100% of their gift to the Helping Hands Fund. Community members can also make a gift to the Helping Hands Fund.
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