All images courtesy of Alex Taketzis/From The Kitchen of AlexGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

As the world continues to shine a spotlight on racial issues, and support the black community, Astorian’s continue to look for new ways to help the causeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. One of our very own, Alexandra Taketzis (from on Instagram), has participated in the Bakers Against Racism Bake Sale, raising and donating $1770 to the Loveland Foundation, with 35% of her sales coming from within AstoriaGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Bakers Against Racism was started by three chefs in the DC area as a call to action to stand up to racial injustice, utilizing the power of foodGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This was a virtual bake sale available to everyone — professional chefs, pastry chefs, and home bakers alike, with guidelines only relating to time (pre-sales were to begin June 15, and to be delivered or picked up by June 20th), and the request that a majority of the proceeds be donated to an organization of the bakers choice that supports black livesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This viral movement not only spread across the country, but across the world, with over 2600 participants and over $1Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.9 million in donationsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Taketzis knew immediately that she wanted to get involvedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. During the sale she offered a $60 variety box of 15 itemsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. They included Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, Funfetti Cookies, Nutella Stuffed Brown Butter Cookies, Fudgy Brownies, and Fruity Pebble Marshmallow TreatsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. 100% of the proceeds went to the Loveland Foundation, who’s mission of supporting Black girls and women receive equitable access to therapy is one that hits close to home for herGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

As a school counselor for students K-8 here in Astoria, she emphasizes how important it is to take care of one’s mental health and mental wellbeingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Unfortunately there are additional barriers that prevent us from accessing mental health support services, in addition to the stigma surrounding therapy in generalGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Everyone deserves the right to be healthy, happy, and have access to mental health services and support should they need itGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The Loveland Foundation bridges this gap through various partnerships including those with Therapy for Black Girls, National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network, Talkspace, and Open Path Collective, and through providing financial assistanceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This allows black women and girls access to the mental care and healing that they needGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Their goal for 2020 is to provide 1,000 women with financial support for 4-8 therapy sessionsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

For the Bakers Against Racism Bake Sale, Taketzis offered contactless delivery to NYC and most of Long Island and sold out of boxes very quicklyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The response was so wonderful and heartwarming, that even after selling out she continues to receive countless messages of support from the Astoria community — both for the Loveland Foundation and for From The Kitchen of AlexGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“Astoria is a community (in the most diverse borough) with people from all walks of lifeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Older people who have lived here their entire lives, older immigrants, new immigrants, artists, young professionals, among countless othersGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The issues of our society of course are prevalent here in Astoria, but I believe that we manage to confront them through a strong community spirit and a positive outlookGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The strong response I received to the Bakers Against Racism initiative is an indication that the community recognizes there is still much progress to be made, and work to be doneGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.”

So what’s next?

The Loveland Foundation 

There are so many ways to continue to support the Loveland FoundationGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Taketzis continues to personally support through monetary donations to the therapy fund and encourages anyone interested in supporting the cause to do the sameGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. She suggests creating a giving circle, in which 6 (or more) friends pool their resources togetherGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Six people donating $20 dollars each will cover the costs for one therapy sessionGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.  Another way would be to champion the cause and by starting your own fundraising goals utilizing your network of friends, family, and social media platformsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

From The Kitchen Of Alex

Before the Bakers Against Racism bake sale, From The Kitchen Of Alex was just a fun way to showcase her various creations, mostly for friends and familyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. However, after the overwhelming response from the Astoria community, Taketzis has decided to continue selling boxes of her treats, offering various cookies and other baked goods on a rotating basisGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Baking has always been a passion of hers and she loves making others happy, spreading joy and happiness through her delicious goodiesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. She spends a lot of her time experimenting and testing out different recipes and there are some exciting new additions in the worksGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Peanut Butter Monster Cookies, Brownie Cookies, and Fruity Pebble cookies, to name a few, although she says Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies will always be her number one!

She is currently accepting orders on her brand new website fromthekitchenofalexGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.com and is offering contactless delivery to Manhattan/ Queens and Nassau/ Western Suffolk Long Island on specific daysGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

She truly loves and appreciates the support of our Astoria community as she continues to expandGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Be sure to check out her instagram page to stay informed with any updatesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

A Final Message 

“I want to reiterate the importance of taking care of our own mental health and mental wellbeingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I want to highlight services available such as NYC Well, which connects you to free and confidential mental health supportGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Through NYC Well, you can speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Remember to do things to nourish your mind and your soul and try not to be afraid to ask for help if you need it — not only exclusively from mental health professionals, but from the people around you who care for you and love youGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.”