Lendor Twins Named County Citizens of the Month

MONROE – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has named Monroe-Woodbury Middle School eighth grade twins Hailee and Madison Lendor as the County’s Citizens of the Month for August, recognizing their extraordinary community spirit, generosity, and leadership.

On January 6, 2025, the Lendor sisters sprang into action after a devastating fire destroyed their neighbors’ home. Drawing upon their passion for baking, instilled in them at the age of four by their mother and aunt, the sisters launched a fundraising effort through their homegrown business, Double Baked Culinary.

The twins set an initial goal to bake 12 dozen cookies to help the displaced family. After their mother shared the effort on social media, the community rallied, and orders skyrocketed to more than 126 dozen cookies overnight. With the help of friends, relatives, and even a neighbor’s kitchen when their own oven broke, the sisters baked over 1,600 cookies in just 24 hours, raising $1,875 to support the family.

“Hailee and Madison Lendor embody what it means to be outstanding citizens,” said Neuhaus. “They have shown compassion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Their kindness inspired our community and sets an example for all of us, proving that no one is too young to make a difference. I’m proud to recognize them as our August Citizens of the Month and can’t wait to see all they will accomplish in the future.”

The twins’ philanthropic work extends beyond this one act. Through Double Baked Culinary, they donate proceeds to causes including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Adopt-A-Family, and various organizations and events. They received a New York State Senate citation, and Madison was featured on the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship Season 12 while Hailee participated in the Greatest Baker Competition with Buddy Valastro, benefiting the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.

Monroe Town Supervisor Tony Cardone, who honored the sisters earlier this year, praised their initiative. “Hailee and Madison took the simple idea of baking cookies and turned it into a powerful act of empathy and community spirit,” said Cardone. “Their hard work and generosity touched the hearts of so many and are an example of the best of Monroe.”

Their mother, Yesenia Lendor-Montero, expressed pride in her daughters’ dedication. “From the time they were little, Madison and Hailee have always cared about helping others,” said Lendor-Montero. “They put their hearts into everything they do, and to see the community respond with so much love and support has been truly humbling.”

In addition to their baking success, the twins have been recognized locally with Sojourner Truth Awards, Hailee for Citizenship and Madison for Creative Arts, and by the Town of Monroe, which presented them with personalized aprons as a token of appreciation.

Looking to the future, Madison aspires to become a neurosurgeon, while Hailee plans a career in law or the medical field. Both hope to one day open their own bakery, continuing their mission of blending passion with purpose.

“Even though it’s a lot of hard work, we know in the end it’s for a great cause, and it feels good to help other people,” Madison said.

For more on the Lendor sisters and their work, visit their Instagram page at @doublebakedculinary.