Cupcakes of Hope: the story behind the organisation and meeting Oprah Winfrey in Vereeniging
Cupcakes of Hope raises awareness about the early warning signs of childhood cancer and helps raise funds for children who are fighting the illness. Here’s how the organisation was started, and why it all began:

Cupcakes and cancer, not two things you’d usually see together. We got the story of how it all began from owner and founder of Cupcakes of Hope, Sandy Cipriano.
“Many of you have asked how this project started. I have always loved Oprah’s Angel Network, and it showed me that we can all make a difference in someone’s life. You don’t need money, if you have LOVE and a bit of TIME, you can all make a difference…
In 2009 we had our first fundraiser at our restaurant, Rio Sol Portuguese Restaurant, in Vereeniging. The first year we raised R5 000, the following year R50 000 and so it grew and grew. In 2011, Cupcakes 4 Kids with Cancer set a new world record for the most cupcakes on display – 21 000. Through this achievement we were able to raise R200 000 for kids with cancer.
What is even more amazing is that I always knew I would meet Oprah Winfrey one day, I just never realised it would be at our restaurant. Yes, Oprah has been to Rio Sol on three occasions, and I feel honoured that she enjoyed her meals with us.”
Some of the organisation’s highlights:
“Meeting so many new Cupcake Angels! You have all been absolutely amazing! I thank you all for being so supportive and patient with me. 2013 was a huge learning curve, but you all made it happen – 45 venues all on one day. WHAT WAS I THINKING?! LOL. My new motto was ‘I am too blessed to be stressed’.”
“We were invited by Zelda la Grange to be part of the Baby Mark Scott’s Golf day, where Cupcakes of Hope auctioned one cupcake for R14 000. It is truly amazing how a beautiful cupcake is bound to bring a smile to your face. This has to be South Africa’s most expensive cupcake!”
“Being able to assist other charities with the amazing work that they do for children with cancer. We have donated to 14 different charities so far: Cansa, Reach for a Dream, The Sunflower Fund, CHOC, Little Fighters Cancer Trust and Hospice, just to name a few.”
“Breaking records. We love a challenge, and in 2011 we set a new world record for the most cupcakes on display – 21 000! In July 2013 we celebrated Nelson Mandela’s 95th birthday by building the biggest cupcake mosaic in the southern hemisphere. Our little warriors started packing the cupcakes in 67 rows from left to right, representing Madiba’s 67 years of service to his country.”
“I’m keeping the best for last! HELPING SO MANY MORE CHILDREN in 2014/2015! These amazing, brave little warriors are the real heroes. It is so heartbreaking to see what this terrible disease does to a family. We have seen too many children lose their battle. It is difficult to understand why this happens and our hearts go out to their families. They will remain my inspiration and my motivation to work harder to make a difference – one cupcake at a time. Let us all pray that a cure for cancer is found in the near future…”
Cupcake Greetings
Sandy Cipriano
Also read:
What is Cupcakes of Hope
Take part in National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer
Get baking and be a part of National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer
Delicious red velvet cupcake recipe
Can’t bake? Go buy!