Teen Baker Raises $10K to Fund Pediatric Cancer Research
A rising senior from Los Angeles, Sophia Lehmann is no stranger to the kitchen — or to giving back. At 17 years old, she’s already spent more than a decade supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, combining her love of baking with a deep commitment to helping kids battling cancer.
Where it all began:
At only 4 years old, she started helping her mom and a group of friends host a summertime bake sale. Supported by pastry chefs — including board member and Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi — those early events became true neighborhood gatherings, filled with energy. Sophia pitched in with everything from baking to sign-making, fully immersed from day one.
That experience left a mark. Each summer, she returned to help — learning more about the cause, building her skills, and seeing firsthand how powerful one bake sale could be.
Taking the reins:
When it came time for her bat mitzvah project at age 14, Sophia knew
exactly what she wanted to do. She hosted her first solo bake sale — and she hasn’t stopped since. Most of her events take place at Pink Chicken, a children’s clothing store and longtime supporter of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. To date, Sophia has raised more than $10,000 for pediatric cancer research.
But for Sophia, it’s about more than just dollars raised. It’s about rallying others to get involved. With her friends by her side, every bake sale becomes a collaboration — full of energy, creativity, and shared purpose.
Sweet Partnerships
And when it comes to the treats? Her bake sales go big. She’s received donated baked goods from some of L.A.’s most beloved spots — including SusieCakes, Milk Bar, Gjusta, Levain, and Petitgrain — often simply by reaching out with a kind DM. The answer is almost always an enthusiastic yes.
Sophia’s advice to anyone thinking about hosting a bake sale?
“DO IT!! It’s such a fun way to help people, and it brings the community together for a really important cause.”
With her drive and heart, Sophia is showing that consistency and a little creativity can spark real change. Her bake sales aren’t just about sweet treats — they’re about building community, making a difference and funding research to help kids who need it most.
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