Extraordinary publishers, doing extraordinary things: Gemma Stafford and Kevin Kurtz, Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking

CafeMedia and AdThrive are home to the world’s highest-quality publishers and content creators. When they’re not creating amazing content, many are doing extraordinary things. We’re excited to celebrate these moments and tell the stories behind them. This month we’re featuring Gemma Stafford and Kevin Kurtz from Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking. 

Gemma and her co-creator and husband Kevin have been raising money for hungry kids via No Kids Hungry since 2017, participating in the charity’s various fundraising events, including its marquee Bake Sale initiative. Last year, the two pitched an incredible idea to the NKH team, and the annual Bake-A-Thon was born. Speaking to the No Kid Hungry team, Gemma tells the story behind the idea:

“My husband, Kevin, and I held onto an idea for years about creating an event during the holidays to help bakers as they prepare for their most important meals of the year. We took inspiration from Butterball Turkey’s old telephone hotline where anyone could get assistance with last minute meal prep and planning. We wanted to update this concept for the 21st century so we thought of a livestream interactive event focused on this goal. 

Last Fall, Joanne Chang reached out on behalf of the No Kid Hungry campaign to enlist me to help spread the word to my fans (“Bold Bakers”), so Kevin and I pitched the idea and Joanne and the team loved it. In less than six weeks, we pulled off a great inaugural Bake-A-Thon in November 2020 featuring Joanne, Brian Hart Hoffman, myself, and others but we hoped it would only be the beginning.” 

Gemma Stafford, Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking

In November 2021, twelve members of the culinary community came together for the second annual Bake-A-Thon.The event helped viewers prepare to bake delicious treats for friends and family ahead of Thanksgiving, while raising funds to feed hungry kids. Every $1 raised provides up to 10 meals for kids in need.

Hosted by Duff Goldman, with appearances by Actress Tamera Mowry-Housley and Bill Yosses (Hulu’s “Baker’s Dozen”), Chef Joanne Chang (Flour Bakery + Cafe), Gemma Stafford (Bigger Bolder Baking), Amy Robach (Good Morning America) and more, viewers tuned in to learn their favorite baking recipes from culinary greats, and get expert tips and techniques. 

Congratulations to Gemma, Kevin, No Kids Hungry, and the star-studded line-up of culinary talent for raising more than $155,000 to benefit No Kid Hungry via the second annual Bake-A-Thon. 

Note: AdThrive was honored to be a sponsor for this incredible event.