08/01/2026
Looking back on this year, itโs impossible not to smile at what Harley quietly set in motion.
Heโs always loved baking, and while he cheers me on from the sidelines, he wanted to create something that was entirely his own. So with a few rides to ShopRite and help with the oven, Harley began baking desserts for children in foster careโฆ simply because he wanted to bring joy to kids who deserve to feel celebrated just like the countless children we are so lucky to make smile with Joanna Koeppel Lander
That small idea opened his eyes to volunteering, service, and what it means to recognize your own privilege while living just 20ish minutes from communities facing very different realities. With some help from IT (dad), he built a website (itโs now linked on my bio ๐ป ๐) and made โBatter Up Bakeryโ a huge part of this past year.
His former elementary schoolโs Equity & Diversity Team reached out and invited Harley back โ not only to share his organization as a role model for younger students, but also to kick off a schoolwide challenge. He flipped over this chance and said yes!! After speaking in front of over 500 students and staff, Harley learned that each classroom competed to make as many birthday cards as possible for local children in foster care. By the end of the month, students had created an incredible 1,038 birthday cards (!!!!), all of which Harley now includes with the birthday treats he delivers.
Weโll be sharing more about Harleyโs organization in the coming weeks, including a September community event in Newark that anyone can join to support his mission โค๏ธ
As we celebrate Harley turning 12 today, it felt like the right time to share a small glimpse into something that his quietly become a big part of who he is. A boy who reminds us that the biggest impact doesnโt always come from the biggest gestures. It comes from a kind heart that hopefully inspires others to do the same.
We love you Harley more than youโll ever know, and there is no greater privilege than watching you grow into exactly who you were meant to be. โค๏ธ
