Cocoa And Cakes Event Brings Community Together At Sarasota Park

SARASOTA, FL — The Leaders Rights Organization plans to bring the community together during the holiday season over a shared love of dessert.

The group hosts its third annual Cocoa and Cakes event Dec. 20, 4 p.m., at Fredd Glossie Atkins Park in Sarasota.

“During the holiday season, there are a ton of people going through depression or don’t have family,” Alaina Martinez, the group’s founder, told Patch. “We wanted to make sure we created a fun atmosphere where everyone can be family.”

Hot cocoa and other beverages will be served, as well as a spread of more than 100 different pies, cakes and other desserts.

Dessert is a shared commonality among many people from all walks of life, Martinez added. “They bring up these stories from your childhood. ‘Hey, my mother made something like that.’ That special apple pie or that slice of pecan pie. It gets people back to their memories.”

After seeing the community's need at last month’s Thanksgiving feast it hosted, the organization will also serve a hot meal at Cocoa and Cake.

There will also be live music and games, and giveaways of clothing, blankets, and hygiene items.

The Leaders Rights Organization is seeking donations — monetary, food, clothing, and more — as well as volunteers for the event.

Those interested are asked to call or text Martinez at 941-580-8046.