“These are the best cookies I’ve ever had in my life,” said a student at Atlanta INtown’s 20 Under 20 dessert reception hosted at the Drew Charter School in East Lake.  A parent exclaimed, “I’m going to send these to everyone I know.”

We were gathered at Drew to honor students who are giving back to the community. And, for dessert, a poignant – and tasty – example from The Cookie Studio of how a business model can give back. The company’s motto:  “Cookies with a Cause.”

The Cookie Studio owner Barbara O’Neill donates a portion of the earnings to the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children, a place she was a full-time volunteer for many years. Realizing that she could combine her passion for baking with her commitment to the shelter, she created this business to bake treats and provide on-going financial support to ease the burden of homelessness for women and children.

Enthusiastic about the 20 Under 20 reception, Barbara plated-up an assortment of freshly baked cookies, including: Sugar Cookies, Cookie Studio Classics, Chocolate Decadence, Going Nuts, Crazy for Oatmeal, and a plate of nut-free variety for students with allergies.

The Cookie Studio menu also includes brownies, toffee bars and cupcakes. They can deliver gift orders locally, arrange out-of-town shipments, and cater business meetings and events. Or, you can drop-by their store in Decatur and select from the cheerful cases. The staff, mood in the store, mission and desserts are like sunshine.

For more information, www.thecookiestudio.net, (404) 373-8527, 747-C East College Ave, Decatur. For more information about Atlanta Day Shelter for Women & Children, www.atlantadayshelter.org.

To nominate a business for Companies That Care, please email wendy@AtlantaINtownPaper.com.