Kids and birthday cakes go hand in hand. But when money is tight or other circumstances are difficult, many children go without the simple celebratory treat. The local nonprofit Cake4Kids is changing that, thanks to the help of volunteer professional bakers who bring sweet birthday joy to Sonoma County kids. To raise money for their efforts, the group is hosting a Virtual Family Bake-A-Long. Pastry chef Mimo Ahmed, from the Glen Ellen Star restaurant, will show participants how to make chocolate chunk and snickerdoodle cookies from scratch. The online class will be held on May 9, 11 a.m.–noon, and is $25. For more information and to register, go to cake4kids.org/events/sonoma-bakealong. Find out more about Ahmed at theemptyplate.blog.