Baker receives 'mind-blowing' support in world contest
Emily Tibbits of Ripples vying to become top baker in international contest
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A baker from Ripples is hoping her lifelong hobby of whipping up homemade treats will be the catalyst for winning an international contest recognizing the world’s best bakers.
Emily Tibbits entered The Greatest Baker Competition when it began in late November. She’s currently second in the quarterfinals after receiving an “overwhelming” amount of support through the contest’s online voting system.
The competition winner will receive $10,000, be featured in the Bake from Scratch magazine, and get a chance to meet renowned pastry chef Buddy Valastro, the star of TLC’s “Cake Boss.”
“The amount of support I have received to this point is mind blowing,” said Tibbits, a mother of three who works as the head baker at Bertie’s Café in Douglas Harbour.
“My community is a force to be reckoned with. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and I’m truly appreciative of everything folks have done for me.”
The competition encourages bakers to show off their creations and learn from fellow bakers and pros. While there’s only one winner who will earn the People’s Choice Award, some bakers will get to show their most delectable work for a chance to be recognized by guest judge Melissa Anaya, who owns Eat Drink Arizona, and take home the Critic’s Pick prize.
Through donations made by voters online, the competition also supports the Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation, which offers financial and emotional help to families across the U.S. who are dealing with childhood cancer.
Tibbits said she saw an advertisement for the contest before it started and decided to give it a try.
“I thought, ‘why not? What do I have to lose?'” she said. “I have loved baking since I was a little girl. I would watch my grandmother and mother bake, and my love for it grew from there.”
Tibbits has been in the top spot for most of the competition, but she’s bounced between first and second throughout the quarterfinals, which end Thursday at 11 p.m. She needs to be in first place to advance to the semifinals.
If anyone would like to vote, I would appreciate from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
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