Burnet baker Spring Craig, owner of Cakes by Spring, had no idea that she was about to be honored in a big way last Monday when she walked through the doors of the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center.
Once the doors swung open she was greeted by a large number of family, friends, and several members of the HCCAC with music, cheers, and a huge gift bag provided by Consuela.
Craig was brought in for what she believed to be a meeting about next year’s Purse Bingo event which she has supported for three years through donations of custom cakes to be auctioned. Since 2022 she has donated show stopping cakes themed toward their fund raising event. To date her cakes have raised over $15,000 for the Children’s Advocacy Center at events like Purse Bingo and Rifles Racks and Deer Tracks.
Last month Craig made an extremely detailed Consuela Mena Sling purse cake that sold at auction for $3,250. The artful creation took more than 20 hours to bring to life and was created with extraordinary talent as well as patience and love for her craft.
Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center’s Development Coordinator, Lora Cheney, was so impressed by not only the cake created but also by the heart of its creator she quickly nominated Craig for the prestigious Consuela Viva Babe award.
In the nomination submitted to Consuela Cheney said in part, “It is with great pride that I nominate Spring Craig for the Consuela Viva Babe award, in recognition of her outstanding contributions as a talented cake artist, devoted mother, and dedicated community supporter. She is a remarkable woman who embodies passion, creativity, and generosity. Spring’s heart for service is evident in every cake she donates and every effort she makes to support those in need.”
Consuela quickly agreed. After receiving the nomination and photos of the Consuela cake she created for this year’s Purse Bingo they named her Viva Babe for the month. They joined in to Monday’s surprise through video and provided a huge bag of Consuela gifts, including an actual Consuela Mena Sling bag.
Craig said she was beyond surprised and felt so honored in the moment.
“I was definitely surprised; I had no idea. Lora brought me in for a meeting about Purse Bingo,” said Craig. Hugs, photos, and congratulations were passed around as Craig enjoyed the moment among loved ones.
The Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center has been serving the children of the community for over 20 years. Each year the number of children in need raises and within the first 10 years the Center saw a 196 percent increase in victims served. The need for the service is great and they depended on generous donations and fundraising events to keep helping children.
Cheney said, “Spring is a shining example of how talent, hard work, and having a great heart can make a difference. “
Despite the long hours and hard work Craig said it is something she is led to do, “Children will always have a special place in my heart. Their joy for the little things is something we can all learn from and appreciate. That deserves to be preserved.”
If you would like to help the HCCAC through donation you can contact them by phone at 512756-2607 or at their location in Burnet at 1001 N Hill Street.
