Many of Shepard’s long time supporters and friends came out to participate in the bowling challenge included, Dawn Lewis (formerly of A Different World) and Obba Babatundé  (Board Members), James Pickens, Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy), Jacké Harry (Sister, Sister), Vanessa Bell Calloway (The District), and Rocky Caroll (NCIS: Los Angeles).  Some new faces included Wayne Brady, Quinton Aaron (The Blind Side), Sara Ramirez and Jesse Williams (both cast members of Grey’s Anatomy).

Shepard’s passion to raise awareness for sickle cell disease developed when a close friend’s brother passed away because of the disease.  “This is a disease that doesn’t have to continue, but there is so much ignorance about the disease; it’s a simple blood disorder,” Shepard stated.

Bowling for charity was only one of the highlights of the night.  The desserts featured at the benefit were not to be missed.  I sampled an array of cakes from an up and coming local bakery called, Cake Buzz. The owners, Sean Allen, Tracey Graham, Tonya Marshall and Fred Ford, began this mom and pop bakery five years ago.  After sampling a few of the cakes, I spoke with Sean Allen, a bartender and baker.  “What inspired us to create this concept was a rum cake recipe passed down from my mother. Although she has since passed we have grown to include over 500 flavors of pound cakes based on liquors.”

Some of the delicious and creative flavors of cake include: Key Lime pie Martini, Purple Rain, Peach Vodka, Pecan Praline Butterscotch Schnapps Maple, Sweet Potato Pie, Pumpkin Pie, and Strawberry Rum Tequilla Rose, just to name a few.  For those that do not drink, like myself, Cake Buzz also bakes many non-alcoholic versions of their cakes that are equally delicious. At Cake Buzz, you can truly have your cake and drink it too!

Check out Cake Buzz on Facebook