Chef's Corner: Cakes For A Cause

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- It's being called an epidemic that's targeting children. In fact, a new case of autism is diagnosed every 20 minutes. More kids will be diagnosed with it this year than with cancer, diabetes and aids combined.  Now, one teenager is headed into the kitchen to help raise money and awareness.

'Nice' is all relative for Katie and Ben Unkle.

"I just like that he's never been mean to people," Katie told Ivanhoe.
 
"She's always trying to help out," Ben said.
 
Now she's taking it to a new level for her big brother Ben. He's one of one and a half million kids living with autism today. 

"Autism is a neurological disorder that affects your motor skills and social skills," Katie explained.

This is a very technical description for a girl who has seen how it has affected Ben personally.

"When we were in elementary school, people would tease him a lot," Katie recalled.

"Being his sister, it's kind of hard because I don't know how he's feeling or if what I'm saying is hurting him or how he’s feeling about what I said," Katie said.
 
"I have trouble doing what other people can do naturally, like speaking to other people,” Ben said.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. One in every 70 boys has it. Treating them and researching a cure costs $35 billion a year. These facts are what pushed Katie into the kitchen. 

She started Cakes for a Cause, baking her grandma's chocolate velvet tortes for $16 each. The money she makes goes to autism research.

Adding eggs, sugar, vanilla, flour, salt, water and a lot of chocolate, she created these cakes for a cause.

"I really want them to find a cure for autism," Katie said.

As for Ben, he's found the right words when it comes to his sister.

"I'm very flattered that she would do that. It makes me really proud," Ben said.

Katie has sold more than 200 cakes. You can purchase a chocolate torte at http://www.cakes4acause.com. All of the profits are given to the Doug Flutie Junior Foundation for Autism.

If you would like more information, please contact:

http://www.cakes4acause.com
cakes4acause@gmail.com