Santa Rosa teen pie maker at it again for Thanksgiving

Kati Hilario is preparing to bake.

She’s the 15-year-old who prepared dozens and dozens pumpkin pies the past three Thanksgivings, sold them to folks who’d pre-ordered them and than donated the proceeds to the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

“My goal this year is to bake over 100 pies and raise over $1,500,” said Kati, a sophomore at Santa Rosa’s Maria Carrillo High.

She’s thrilled that instead of baking at home this year, she has been offered use of the industrial kitchen at the food bank.

“I have recruited my cousin and some friends to help my mom and me,” she said.

The extraordinary young woman, pained and pressed into action at age 12 by the knowledge that a large percentage of Sonoma County residents cannot afford adequate nutrition, sells her pies for $15.

She asks that orders be placed by Nov. 22. To reserve a pie, email Kati at kati.pfpproject@gmail.com or send her $15, cash or check, at 4928 Stonehedge Dr. Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Checks should made out to her.

The pies will be delivered the day before Thanksgiving.