Amy Patterson has been planning her 40th birthday for months. What started as a small party has become a cupcake-themed fundraiser to benefit The Arc of Snohomish County, which provides assistance and education to people with developmental disabilities and their families.

“I wanted to go to a big party,” Patterson said. “I just didn’t want it to be all about me. Then I read about a cupcake fundraiser in Boise, and I was hooked.”

Patterson has worked closely with Arc staff and members of Mill Creek Foursquare Church, to plan the event, dubbed CupcakeCamp.

The event will feature cupcake baking and decorating contests, and Bothell resident and Chicago White Sox player Brent Lillibridge is scheduled to join Patterson on the judging panel.

In addition, kids can decorate their own cupcakes, families can bid at a silent auction, and most importantly, everyone can eat cupcakes. A $5 donation will get CupcakeCampers three cupcakes to sample. The treats are being baked or donated by supporters.

Puget Sound CupcakeCamp will take place at Mill Creek Foursquare Church, 1415 164th St SW, Lynnwood, on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information or to register to bring cupcakes or compete, visit pscupcakecamp.eventbrite.com or pscupcakecamp.blogspot.com, or email pscupcakecamp@comcast.net.