Chan Bakes for Earthquake Relief
March 12, 2023
From March 6-10, more than 50 USC Chan students, staff, and faculty worked together to host a bake sale fundraiser in support of earthquake relief efforts after the February 6 earthquake in Syria and Turkey.
Community and Partners Events Global Initiatives International Students
Amber Butler MA ’23, Philanthropy Chair of USC’s Occupational Therapy and Science Council, initially proposed the idea for the bake sale, saying “I was feeling helpless watching the news and seeing all the devastation in Syria and Turkey. I was heartbroken watching families and rescue officers try to recover loved ones from underneath the rubble. However, I was also inspired seeing how people came together to help those most in need and began thinking of ways to help.”
Delicious baked goods arrived every day to the Chan Global Initiatives office, donated by student, staff, and faculty bakers. Carly Martinez MA ’23 donated homemade marshmallow rice cereal treats and blueberry muffins, saying, “Baking is one of my favorite hobbies for relaxation, and I enjoy making things for people to eat. The bake sale was an opportunity to combine two things I care about, and it was fantastic to try the variety of treats crafted by some artists at Chan.”
Global Initiatives and OTSC members setting up: Daniel Hofstadt (OTD ’23), Danny Park, Carly Martinez (MA ’23), Christelli Carmona (MA ’23), and Amber Butler (MA ’23)
Community member Davi Dinh also donated hundreds of baked goods herself (including a best-selling chocolate chip pumpkin bread), stating “Doing something I love to do that helps out earthquake victims is doubly satisfying.” Yi Ching “Skyler” Chen MA ’23 volunteered to help sell goodies, saying “This opportunity allows me to see people’s warmest hearts for those in need. The meaning of the event and the money we raised not only represents the care and love of Trojans but also stands for our sympathy towards those who are suffering.”
Assistant Professor James Lee, Chan staff member Ann Cassar, Michelle Rosas (MA ’23), and Student Services Advisor Ryan Pineda delivering baked goods from Davi Dinh.
In the end, the bake sale grossed more than $3,600, which was donated in full to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Syria and Turkey, and the International Rescue Committee. This total was far beyond our wildest expectations, and as Amber Butler shared, “I was left without words. I did not expect such a huge turnout and it seemed like we grew more momentum as the days went on. So many students and faculty members supported this event and showed up in so many ways. Together we made a difference and I am so grateful for all of you.”
Volunteers Amber Butler (MA ’23), Roxana Honowitz (OTD ’25), Lorena Alvarado (OTD ’25), and Elizabeth Fey (OTD ’25) selling baked goods at lunchtime.
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