Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Oct. 13, 2016) – After an extensive application process that began in 2015, two local Hy-Vee cake designers will be featured on Monday’s episode of Cake Wars, which will air on the Food Network at 7 p.m. Kassie Mather and Patty Hammond, both of Cedar Rapids, will compete for the show’s $10,000 grand prize on Monday’s episode.
Mather and Hammond applied for the show in December 2015. In April 2016, they received an email from producers asking for a photo and video submission to demonstrate how well they worked together. Two months later, the women received a phone call informing them that they had been selected to compete on the show and would be flying to Los Angeles on July 19.
Out of 2,500 applications, Mather and Hammond are two of 40 selected applicants that were chosen to appear on Season 4 of Cake Wars. They also are the first Hy-Vee cake designers to appear on the show, and the first grocery retail cake designers to join the ranks of Cake Wars contestants since the show began.
Hammond works at the Mount Vernon Hy-Vee, while Mather works at the Edgewood Hy-Vee.
"We work hard and have a tremendous passion for cakes,” said Hammond. “We are proud to represent Hy-Vee on the show and feel honored to be selected.”
While Mather and Hammond have previously competed and won cake designer challenges hosted by Hy-Vee, Inc., the cakes had to be baked and designed during a certain time allotment on Cake Wars.
“Smiling and interacting with customers on a daily basis is just part of what we love about our job,” said Mather. “Trying to generate that same excitement while under the stress of a room full of cameras, lights and producers was the biggest challenge.” Mather and Hammond are long-time friends and met through their love of decorating at Hy-Vee.
“Competing just wouldn't have been the same with anyone else,” concluded Mather. “We wanted to show everyone that Hy-Vee decorators can do amazing things!”
Tune into the Food Network on Monday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. to watch Mather and Hammond compete for the show’s $10,000 grand prize.
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