For Mary Ellen, The Wheelhouse Cake Auction has never really been about dessert.

Yes, there are towering cakes and bidding wars. But underneath the frosting is something deeper: generosity, fellowship, and a community coming to help rebuild what addiction has tried to break.

Mary Ellen first became involved by contributing cakes. Eventually, she was asked to take over the auction, a role she has now held for four years. During that time, the event has grown and evolved. As she prepares to pass the torch, Mary Ellen reflects on what drew her to the event, the people who have made it possible, and what she hopes everyone remembers.

Q: Take us back to the beginning. How did you first get involved with The Wheelhouse Cake Auction?

Mary Ellen: Over the years, I would bring a cake, just a simple cake. Then my predecessor approached me. I had worked with her on a couple of other events.

When she asked if I would like to take over the cake auction, I was really touched.

I said yes because I knew the mission of The Wheelhouse. I had seen the event enough to know it was a great way to raise funds while creating fellowship and camaraderie in our community. And really, who doesn’t like cake?

Q: How has the event changed during the four years you’ve organized it?

Mary Ellen: When I first started, I think we had around 28 cakes. We’re up to 40 cakes now.

But it isn’t just the number of cakes. When people walk into the room, there’s an excitement. They look at all the cakes and start pointing out their favorites, either because of how they look, the kind of cake it is or because they know the person who made it.

Once the auction begins, there is this buzz in the room. We have an adrenaline rush as the cakes keep coming, the auctioneer is going and The Wheelhouse guys are bringing the cakes around.

At the end, we see the generosity of people and realize what everyone has accomplished together.

Q: You’ve seen hundreds of cakes over the years. Is there one you’ll never forget?

Mary Ellen: The San Jacinto Monument cake.

It was probably two and a half feet tall, with a star at the top. I remember my team moving it and all of us being terrified that it was going to tumble over.

That cake definitely raised my blood pressure a little bit!

The banana pudding made by Rene Latting. That one brought $5,200 dollars! That was an incredible night for all of us.

Q: Why does someone baking a cake matter so much?

Mary Ellen: I’ve had volunteers call me and offer to bake because of what The Wheelhouse did for their son.

That gets to me.

Not everyone has hundreds of dollars to spend at an auction. There was a time when I couldn’t afford to bid hundreds of dollars on cakes, but I could make one that might bring in that kind of money.

That’s one of the beautiful things about this event. There are so many ways to contribute.

Someone can bake. Someone can bid. Someone can volunteer. Someone can help decorate or set up tables. Even if they only show up the day of the auction, there is something they can do. We can always use another pair of hands.

Q: What happens behind the scenes that guests may not realize?

Mary Ellen: I have an incredible team.

What I’m most grateful for is the volunteer team itself.

Some people volunteer because they want to be part of something bigger than them.

Holly Christine has been my right-hand person, and Jennifer Dickens has been wonderful, too. Then you have all your board members, The Wheelhouse men, alumni, and so many others coming together.

Q: Has the auction changed you personally?

Mary Ellen: Absolutely.

This auction has given me several friendships.

There was one volunteer I didn’t know very well when she joined us. After one cake auction, we spent about an hour and a half talking and walking around. I like to think we saw each other’s souls that night. She showed me hers.

That’s the kind of thing you don’t forget.

And seeing The Wheelhouse guys excited about making their cakes, even getting a little rivalry going among themselves, seeing their smiles and enthusiasm is priceless.

Q: This is your final year leading the auction. How does it feel to pass the torch?

Mary Ellen: It’s hard for me to let go.

But somebody gave me an opportunity once. They saw something in me and gave me the chance to lead. At some point, you have to give someone else that same opportunity.

I still hope to be involved somehow. If somebody needs me to pick up the phone and help, I will.

Next year, though, I’m looking forward to walking into the auction, seeing people, looking at the cakes and bidding on one myself.

Q: What do you hope never changes about The Wheelhouse Cake Auction?

Mary Ellen: I hope the enthusiasm stays.

And I love having a theme, decorations, and making the room feel special. Of course, the cakes should always be the center of attention, but those other details add something to the experience.

More than anything, though, I hope it stays inclusive.

Whether someone bakes a cake from scratch or from a box, contributes $20 with a group of people, volunteers, or sponsors the event, it all contributes to something bigger than us.

Q: After four years, what has made all of the work worth it?

Mary Ellen: God used my love of cakes and my talents for a beautiful purpose.

That’s what makes it worth it.

The Wheelhouse Cake Auction matters because it helps men rebuild their lives while building community around them. People give what they can, and every contribution becomes part of something bigger.

That is what I want people to feel: included. Community.

See you at the cake auction. For more information, go to: The Wheelhouse Cake Auction