May 4 Fundraiser Supports Nutrition Program at South End, Jamaica Plain Centers

Ellis Early Learning is hosting The Ellis Baking Challenge with Joanne Chang — a dessert reception and baking competition — on Saturday, May 4 at its South End campus. All proceeds from this inaugural fundraising event will go toward Ellis's student meal program.

Chang, the highly acclaimed, award-winning pastry chef and founder of Flour Bakery + Café and Myers + Chang restaurant, will serve as judge and select a winner from six competing bakers. Both eateries are South End staples and located a few blocks away from Ellis Early Learning.

"I'm so excited to team up with Flour's neighbor, Ellis Early Learning, for a special baking competition in support of its daily meal program," said Chang. "As a chef, it is heartening to see kids learning about the power of food at such a young age."

Ellis Early Learning is dedicated to providing high quality early learning opportunities in a socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse environment, including offering healthy meals containing a variety of foods. Ellis provides breakfast, lunch and a snack for all students each school day, accounting for more than 80 percent of their daily nutritional intake.

"We are so appreciative of Joanne's participation in our event and look forward to seeing how she selects a winner in what will be a fun competition," said Ellis Early Learning CEO Lauren Cook. "Our meal program is very important to our mission and we are so grateful to everyone who will be attending and participating in the baking challenge."

The winner of the Ellis Baking Challenge will receive a personal tour of Flour's commissary kitchen in Boston's Seaport District, signed copies of Chang's cookbooks and a photo with the chef and the winning dessert. Chang will feature the photo on promotional cards in select Flour locations and on social media.

In addition to Flour, the Ellis Baking Challenge is supported by ticket sales and sponsors including Brookline Bank and Olivia's Organics.

For more information, visit: https://one.bidpal.net/ellisbakingforbabies/welcome.