One of the tastiest fundraisers this community has traditionally experienced is the annual cake auction conducted by the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center.

Each year, bakers try to outdo each other with elaborate cakes that go on the auction block along with all kinds of other goodies. The delicious extravaganza is the primary fundraiser for D/SAOC.

It is cake auction time once again.

After being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, the auction returned last year in an entirely online format.

That event went well. Leaders of the center found that people liked bidding remotely, and appreciated receiving notifications and reminders. Having the auction spread over six days was also popular.

Since the online format went so well last year, it is returning this year.

The 26th annual D/SAOC Cake Auction will be a six day online event that will start Thursday and continue through April 4.

It will offer the cakes that have been the hallmark of the event, with new items to be added daily throughout the auction.

To get in on the action, visit cakeauction2023.givesmart.com.

If you have any questions about it, call (515) 955-2273 or email leahg@dsaoc.com.

The cake auction is a fun and delicious way to support an entity that meets urgent needs in our region.

D/SAOC offers safety, support and hope to adult and child victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and violent crime. It does the same for the families and friends of homicide victims.

It operates a shelter in Fort Dodge for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Its services include counseling, court advocacy and support groups.

D/SAOC serves 20 counties in north central Iowa.

Providing all those services requires money, and the government is not going to pick up all of the bill. That’s why the cake auction is so important.

We encourage people to participate in the cake auction. For a short period, people can quit counting calories and indulge their sweet tooth while at the same time helping others.

Doing so will help to make a difference for people, perhaps including our friends and neighbors, who are in a crisis situation.