See how the community came together in a big way!
Highland Community Comes Together for “Just Desserts,” Raising $10,000+ for Senior Scholarships
By Theresa Wright, Executive Director, The Highland Foundation for Educational Excellence
What began as a simple pop-up fundraiser quickly grew into a much bigger celebration of community generosity.
The Highland Foundation for Educational Excellence hosted Just Desserts, a Valentine’s weekend event inspired by its traditional Great Gifts Dinner Dessert Auction, with one goal: to raise scholarship funds for Highland seniors. By the end of the weekend, students, families, teachers, and local businesses came together to help generate more than $10,000 in support of the Class of 2026.
Hosted at Coco Café in Hinckley, owned by Laura Baciu, the event featured dozens of homemade and professionally crafted desserts donated by local bakers, parents, students, and staff. Guests selected treats while enjoying coffee, wine pairings, raffles, and a welcoming atmosphere. Baciu also created two elaborate cupcake bouquets, contributed approximately 20 bags of freshly roasted coffee beans, and matched the first $2,000 in contributions.
The effort, however, reached far beyond one location. Highland student liaisons produced a promotional video that ran on the high school morning announcements, spreading excitement throughout the school. The story even caught regional attention, with FOX 8’s New Day Cleveland highlighting both the partnership and the spirit behind the fundraiser.
Local businesses embraced the cause enthusiastically. Sean Leatherman, owner of Galaxy Wine Room, hand-selected and donated 24 bottles of wine for pairings. Thyme 2, 111 Bistro, and Blue Heron contributed a $200 “Date Night Dinner” raffle package. Mia Bella decorated the space with Valentine balloon columns and donated an additional custom column for raffle, while Catalyst Farm hand-wrapped 100 carnation bouquets for guests.
Additional auction items included a Blanton’s bourbon basket, a Voudoux vodka gift set, a Landry Family Dentistry exam package, and reserved graduation seating. Each donated by community supporters dedicated to making a difference for Highland students.
Executive Director Theresa Wright said the event was a true reflection of the Foundation’s mission in action. “Just Desserts reminded us that scholarships are not funded by one big moment; they are the fruit of many caring hands. Students told the story, community businesses gave generously, and families showed up. It illustrated ‘community’ in its purest form.”
The pop-up was created after the Foundation was unable to host its traditional dessert auction at the Great Gifts Dinner in November, which took place at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year. Rather than pause, volunteers adapted and discovered a new way to connect directly with the community.
All proceeds will fund scholarships awarded to graduating Highland seniors this spring. The Highland Foundation thanks all those who graciously contributed to making the event such a wonderful success for Highland’s Class of 2026.
About The Highland Foundation
Founded in 2000, The Highland Foundation for Educational Excellence has invested over $2.5 million into Highland Local Schools and the broader community. Through grants, scholarships, and special initiatives, the Foundation champions academic innovation, enrichment, and equity in education. Learn more, support, or explore scholarship opportunities at highlandfoundation.org.