By Cathleen Twardzik

Dena Haibi of Somerville and her co-workers at Commonwealth Financial Network were recently named champions, as part of the Duncan Hines 1 MILLION Cupcake Challenge, which is a national baking and fundraising movement, the goal of which is to help to end childhood hunger in America, according to a press release.

Haibi and her co-workers hosted a Great American Bake Sale to benefit Share Our Strength and raised $2,635, which will be matched by Duncan Hines.

“This is the first year Duncan Hines is the presenting sponsor of Share Our Strengths Great American Bake Sale,” said Greg Greene, Director of Marketing of Duncan Hines.

The company believes that, “Baking and giving back go together like cupcakes and frosting,” said Greene. Importantly, “We’re inspired by passionate bakers, everywhere, and are committed to raising up to an additional $100,000 for Share Our Strength, through the Duncan Hines Double Donations Program.”

Share Our Strength is a national nonprofit that enables children to be able to obtain the nutritious food, which is needed to lead a healthy and active life.

The organization’s No Kid Hungry campaign is a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2015.

Individuals who are interested in participating may visit, strength.org.

Beginning the week of April 11, Duncan Hines is matching the funds, which are received from the top fundraising Great American Bake Sale team each week – up to $5,500 per week, through the week of July 18.

Duncan Hines is awarding prizes to participants, which include weekly double donations and five grand prize trips for two to Los Angeles – complete with seats on the red carpet of the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards.  They are the official dessert sponsor of the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards Governors’ Ball.

The highest individual or team fundraiser each week also will receive a Duncan Hines gift pack, as well as a 6-Piece Commercial II Non-Stick Essential Bakeware Set and Bake Sale Winged Pan from Chicago Metallic, which is an exclusive bakeware sponsor of the Great American Bake Sale.

Regarding the individuals, all of whom are participating in this year’s sale, “The Duncan Hines 1 MILLION Cupcake Challenge adds an element of fun and friendly competition for avid and weekend bakers,” said Amy Crowell, Director of Great American Bake Sale.

“Each cupcake, sold at $1, will help [to] connect a hungry child to 10 healthy meals,” she said.

Consumers may join the Duncan Hines 1 MILLION Cupcake Challenge by going to www.duncanhines.com/cupcakechallenge.  The official rules and complete details are available via that link.

Sign up to host a Great American Bake Sale, or join the Duncan Hines team at,
http://gabs.strength.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GABS_homepage.  Also, bake with Duncan Hines, and enter for a chance to win the Duncan Hines 1 MILLION Cupcake Challenge Sweepstakes.