Roll Call

Roll Call: Xavier Student Finds a Sweet Way to Make a Worldly Difference

By: Jennifer Much

Many say that the fastest way to the heart is through the stomach and seventh grade Xavier student Aaron Vanden Heuvel '27 can share a dozen reasons why that's true. Through selling delicious home baked treats, known as Yum Yum Rolls, Vanden Heuvel mixes sticky and sweet caramel goodness with charitable efforts, and the result is a praise-worthy recipe for kindness, service and compassion that reaches across the globe.

A Dream on the Rise

Much like with sweet rolls, Vanden Heuvel’s entrepreneurial calling rose gradually. He could not have guessed that his ambition, a school lesson, and a cherished family recipe, would soon come together to help shape the lives of individuals thousands of miles away in Northeast Africa.

In his sixth grade literature class, Vanden Heuvel began reading “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Parks. The book highlighted the grim reality of poor water conditions in South Sudan. Many children, especially girls, were unable to attend school because of their responsibility to collect water for their families. Doing so required them to walk over eight hours a day, and basic necessities far exceeded their opportunity to get an education. Aaron baking in his grandma’s kitchen

senior year to achieve, and his parents are proud. “My husband and I are thrilled that Aaron found a way that he could raise money for something about which he felt strongly” said Hepfler. Soon, Yum Yum Rolls were hot out of the oven.

A Lesson in Gratitude

Raising funds for the well in South Sudan has become an important undertaking for Vanden Heuvel. Even more, it has transformed into a valuable lesson in self-discipline, business principles and gratitude. “Aaron’s faith shines through in so many aspects” said Hepfler. “First, as Jesus teaches us to love your brother as yourself - wanting to make a difference in South Sudan, and second, by showing gratitude for all donations - big and small, and acknowledging God’s blessings” added Hepfler. Those who order a dozen or two can also appreciate each tasty bite while supporting an endearing cause.

“Aaron is a very kind and compassionate person,” said Vanden Heuvel’s mother, Michele Hepfler, “this really pulled at his heart strings.” At the same time, Vanden Heuvel faced a disheartening struggle of his own when his grandmother passed away. To pay tribute to her, he baked a batch of her iconic caramel rolls and placed one on her casket to send it with her to heaven. Hepfler has shared an image of the gooey baked goods on social media, and soon orders were rolling in. “We realized we may have an avenue for Aaron to raise money for charity,” said Hepfler, “he instantly said his goal was to raise funds to purchase a new water well.”

It’s clear that the driving force behind the endeavor was not just grandma’s famed recipe, but a strong commitment to help the less fortunate. “My faith and Xavier education really taught me that I should help these villages,” said Vanden Heuvel. Vanden Heuvel hopes to raise $15,000, a commitment that may take him to his Vanden Heuvel also expresses gratitude toward his family, who has worked alongside him over the past year. Together, the family has made 150 dozen Yum Yum Rolls, and each person plays an important role in the project. Aaron, the head baker, makes the dough and bakes the rolls to perfection, his sister, Eve '21, and brother, John '24, help fold boxes and promote the product, and his parents help make the caramel and handle accounting and marketing. While making the rolls is a process that involves time, patience and care, Vanden Heuvel’s determination shines.

As a further extension of gratitude, international students have also helped Vanden Heuvel. The family routinely hosts the students, who volunteer their time to help package the rolls. Interestingly, the name behind the brand was also inspired from afar. A student from Switzerland once nicknamed Vanden Heuvel “Yum Yum” and the name stuck!

Along with making the rolls comes the excitement of making a difference. “Aaron gets so excited when he has orders come in and sees donations come through,” said Hepfler, “he likes meeting all the customers!”

Vanden Heuvel hopes to reach his monetary goal by 2027 and plans to do so with hard work and by whipping up dozens of delicious treats. He also plans to expand social media efforts and asks that customers post photos of themselves enjoying their Yum Yum Rolls. Many businesses in the community have placed orders, including multiple fire and police stations in the Fox Valley area as well as countless individuals and families.

“This project can be supported in two different ways,” explained Vanden Heuvel. “If you live in Appleton, Green Bay or the Oshkosh area you can order and purchase Yum Yum Rolls directly.” When orders come in on Fridays, Vanden Heuvel spends each weekend preparing and bakes on Sundays so they’re fresh!. Alternatively, donations can be made directly to Water for South Sudan by using Aaron’s personal link: www.classy.org/fundraiser/3170069.

The Yum Yum Rolls are perfect for every event, office meeting and for family night dessert. They also make a great gift that is partnered with an amazing cause and a young entrepreneur's selfless drive to better the life of others. The rolls are made year round and the team celebrates National Cinnamon Roll Day (October 4th) and World Water Day (March 22nd) by donating 100% of Yum Yum Roll sales to Water for South Sudan.

When he’s not busy rolling out orders or collecting donations, Vanden Heuvel looks forward to one extra special aspect of his project and shares it with enthusiasm: “eating any leftovers!”

Drive up service Aaron and Mrs. Kreider, 6th grade teacher

Simply irresistible!

Aaron with the Grand Chute Fire Department

To order, visit www.yumyumrolls.com or send an email to yumyumrolls@yahoo.com by Friday at 8:00 P.M. CST. Customers will be sent an order confirmation with the pick up details. Rolls sell for $20/ one dozen, $10/half dozen or individually wrapped for $2 each (minimum order of 6). Help support Aaron’s cause and dive into a decadent batch of irresistible rolls; both are an extra sweet way of helping to make a worldly difference.