Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo’s Bakery in Charlotte, North Carolina, is on a mission to spread joy through his cakes. For over 12 years, he’s been donating birthday cakes to those experiencing homelessness, whom he affectionately calls his neighbors. Immigrating to the U.S. over a quarter of a century ago, Betancur now blends his passion for baking with a heart of service. Having delivered his 300th cake this year, Betancur recalled an experience that fuels his service through sweets: a recent recipient of his birthday cake cried, explaining that it was the first time he had had a birthday cake in his life. "That [was] the most important cake in this bakery," Betancur stated. His cakes, sometimes filled with peaches or caramel, are more than desserts — they're symbols of dignity and celebration of life and humanity.
