Mammaw Sandy’s Kitchen in Beechmont serves up sweets with a purpose

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

At first glance, Mammaw Sandy’s Kitchen featuring Thornberry’s Bakery on West Woodlawn looks like your typical bakery offering cakes and sweets made fresh from scratch. But the shop’s mission goes beyond confections.

Founder and executive director Alayna Johnston said the nonprofit bakery provides hands-on training and employment opportunities for people living with disabilities.

“There’s a lot of individuals that have the heart, they have the drive, the passion to work, and there’s not a lot of people who will give them the opportunity,” Johnston said.

To boost awareness and raise funds, Johnston recently launched what she calls the “Matilda Challenge.” For $150, participants attempt to eat an 8-inch, three-layer chocolate cake within an hour.

“If they finish the ch