Local Teen Baker's Mission to Help Families Experiencing Homelessness Inspires Art Exhibition
Local teen Sarah Kokas’ inspiring work of baking birthday cakes for children and families experiencing homelessness has transformed into an upcoming art exhibition at the Main Line Unitarian Church (MLUC). The exhibition, "Art à la Carte!" opens on Jan. 18 and supports Family Promise of the Main Line’s mission of helping families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Kokas, from Bryn Mawr, began baking custom birthday cakes for children celebrating their birthdays in a local shelter. She then began selling custom cakes for donations to Family Promise, raising more than $2,000 over the next four and a half years. Her initiative caught the attention of Narberth artist Richard McKnight, who invited her to collaborate on a charitable art event benefiting Family Promise of the Main Line.
During the exhibition, McKnight will display dessert-inspired artwork, including “Sarah Delights Another One,” a painting of a young shelter resident receiving a birthday cake, inspired by Kokas’ work.
“What felt to me like a simple act of kindness—baking birthday cakes for children—ultimately had a larger impact than I realized at the time,” Kokas said. “Later, I learned just how meaningful baking for someone can be, especially if they are going through a hard time. It truly provides a moment of delight, of being seen, recognized, and celebrated. It can make someone feel like they matter.”
The opening reception for "Art à la Carte!" will take place:
At the opening attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in Kokas’ cakes while appreciating McKnight’s dessert-inspired paintings.
The exhibition of McKnight’s artwork will continue to be on view until March 2 by appointment and on Sunday after MLUC’s 10 a.m. services.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Kokas, from Bryn Mawr, began baking custom birthday cakes for children celebrating their birthdays in a local shelter. She then began selling custom cakes for donations to Family Promise, raising more than $2,000 over the next four and a half years. Her initiative caught the attention of Narberth artist Richard McKnight, who invited her to collaborate on a charitable art event benefiting Family Promise of the Main Line.
During the exhibition, McKnight will display dessert-inspired artwork, including “Sarah Delights Another One,” a painting of a young shelter resident receiving a birthday cake, inspired by Kokas’ work.
“What felt to me like a simple act of kindness—baking birthday cakes for children—ultimately had a larger impact than I realized at the time,” Kokas said. “Later, I learned just how meaningful baking for someone can be, especially if they are going through a hard time. It truly provides a moment of delight, of being seen, recognized, and celebrated. It can make someone feel like they matter.”
The opening reception for "Art à la Carte!" will take place:
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025
- Time: 4 p.m.—7 p.m.
- Location: Main Line Unitarian Church, 816 S Valley Forge Road, Devon, PA
- Admission: Free
At the opening attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in Kokas’ cakes while appreciating McKnight’s dessert-inspired paintings.
The exhibition of McKnight’s artwork will continue to be on view until March 2 by appointment and on Sunday after MLUC’s 10 a.m. services.