Cookies for Kid’s Cancer

There are no Cookies for Kids’ Cancer supporters quite like Moms.  And last year we were introduced to a unique group of them– a group that is committed to bringing their communities together to make a difference in the lives of families around them.  They are known in their communities as Macaroni Kid Publisher Moms, but we call them Good Cookies.

Publisher Moms all around the country have been supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer through hosting events, writing blogposts, and raising awareness about the need for more funding in the world of pediatric cancer research.  They have truly learned what it means to “be a Good Cookie” and they have lived that out this year by raising thousands of dollars for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.
Recently, The Macaroni Kid community of North Phoenix, AZ hosted an event at the Christmas Festival in downtown Carefree.  Publisher Mom, Shana Battles (pictured above) was inspired by Cookies founder Gretchen Holt Witt when she spoke at the Macaroni Kid Meet up in Florida this past October.  Battles rallied 30 additional volunteers to come together with the hope of making a difference.  This first-time bake sale raised nearly $2,000 and these funds will go directly to fund pediatric cancer research.
Another Macaroni Kid Bake Sale took place just a few weeks ago in Cranston/Kent, Rhode Island.  Publisher Mom, Heather Wirtz (pictured above) was inspired to host an event at a local Family Fun Day.  In just 2 hours, they raised almost $900.  Wirtz hopes to make this a semi-annual or annual event in their community.

Just like Macaroni Kid Publisher Moms make great bake sale hosts, we believe bake sale hosts would make fantastic Publisher Moms.  Macaroni Kid creates flexible, work from home business opportunities for entrepreneurial moms. As a Publisher, you dish the scoop each week on the best events and activities for kids and families in your area, including Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Bake Sales.  Macaroni Kid is so much more than an e-newsletter – they are a company created by, inspired by, and built for moms from all walks of life.

If you’re interested in learning more about what it means to be a publisher mom, please visit this link (www.macaronikid.com/becomepublishermom).

Dear Friends,

A new year has begun with new dreams and expectations.  In my case I have a special reason to be very happy and I would like to share it with you.  Last year, my violin students, ranging from the age of 4 to 17, and my colleagues helped me inaugurate two concert series I founded:  Kids Kare and A Cocktail for Music.  I am pleased to announce the first event of our second season.  On Saturday February 25th, 2012 at 6:00pm, The Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT will present “A Cocktail for Music” featuring two up and coming young artists, David Gale and Riko Higuma.

Over the years, being a part of the arts has become a two-fold purpose for me.  The first is to engage in inspiring performances and the second is to utilize my musical knowledge in the teaching of children.  To that end, my experiences in teaching children has become a large part of my career.

The foundation of the future in music belongs to the children of our upcoming generations.  It is the responsibility of those of us fortunate to have been given top notch training to pass it along to those who will follow us in years to come.  It is essential for children to be given the proper tools so that they may grow in their musical careers.  Not only should we educate children in the musical sense, but we must also teach them how knowledge in music can be linked to everything around them.

My goal as an educator has been to both teach music and make the children aware of the world around them.  The event “Kids Kare” and “A Cocktail for Music” was created to give my students and young artists like Mr. Gale and Ms. Higuma the opportunity to use their talents towards a worthy cause.  I believe teaching empathy is as important as teaching the child how to play the violin because it instills confidence and enthusiasm that comes from knowledge that one person can actually make a difference in this world.

I used to regard children with the same affection as one has for muddy dogs in their house and after working with them, my eyes have opened.  The optimism bordering on naivety, the insuppressible cheer, it is infectious in the best way possible.  They remind me of the hope we all had, that feeling that anything is possible whether it be in music, school or love.

I was introduced to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer by a very close family friend who’s husband works very closely with Larry Witt, the co-founder.  After doing some research it was then that I realized to have a disease so final and deadly rob someone, anyone of the irreplaceable childish spirit is a great tragedy indeed.  This is why I am determined to make what contributions I can, however small, to allowing ill-fated children live out their own dreams and win out against a disease so dangerous.

Please come join us on Saturday February 25th, 2012 for a cocktail party hosted by Morello Italian Bistro, Garelick & Herbs, and Chef Jerwin, a wine tasting sponsored by Horseneck Wine, a special performance by David Gale and Riko Higuma, and win prizes at our raffle!

Tickets are $45.00 per person, Raffle Tickets are $20.00 for 1, $50.00 for 3, and $100.00 for 6 and can all be purchased by calling 917-771-9556 or sending an email to: acocktailformusic@gmail.com. All proceeds will be donated to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Sincerely Yours,

Roslyn Huang

Founder and Artistic Director of “A Cocktail for Music” and “Kids Kare”

A big thanks to our Good Cookies sponsors:

A Special Valentine: Cookies FREE OF Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy & Peanut this Season

This Valentine’s Day Season, Nonesuch Bakery will donate 25% of online sales to supporters of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer when you use the code “LIAM25” at checkout. This special promotion begins Tuesday, January 24^th and ends on Tuesday, February 14^th – Valentine’s Day, the first anniversary of Liam Witt’s memorial service. For three weeks, you can help raise funds for pediatric cancer and bake delicious cookies FREE of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, AND peanut for your family and friends with dietary restrictions.

Nonesuch Bakery offers ready-to-bake cookie dough in a re-sealable package and gives you a baker’s dozen (13 cookies) to bake one at a time or for a whole crowd. The all-natural cookie dough FREE OF gluten, dairy, egg, soy, and peanut comes in oatmeal raisin, shredded coconut, and chocolate chip and is made with the highest quality ingredients. Learn more about the cookie dough made by hand and food allergies here. Delivery is available to all 48 states in the Continental U.S. – sorry no AK or HI yet.

Sarah Choi, founder of Nonesuch Bakery and mother of an active 2.5 year old boy in San Francisco felt an immediate connection to the mission of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer when a friend attended a local bake sale and shared the Witt family’s story with her. Sarah says, “My goal is to create a delicious cookie baking experience at home for an audience who usually doesn’t get one. I’m thrilled to share the cookie dough with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer so that everyone can indulge in the fun and raise even more funds for pediatric cancer at local bake sale events. Donating a percentage of sales every Valentine’s Day season is a small way I can help the cause.”

Order your cookie dough today with the code “LIAM25” and celebrate Liam’s legacy of love.

Looking for details on how YOU can support Glad’s $100,000 holiday donation to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer? Look no further!

Here’s how every holiday cookie you bake, share, exchange, sell or even send virtually can turn into a donation for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Option 1: Having a bake sale or cookie exchange? Be sure to register it at Cookies for Kids’ Cancer! After you tally up the total cookies exchanged or sold, email us: GladCookies@cookiesforkidscancer.org to report the total. Glad will donate $0.10 for every cookie you report!

Option 2: Not hosting an event? Just planning on baking and sharing cookies this holiday season? Simply share your holiday cookie total with us by emailing your total to us at gladcookies@cookiesforkids​cancer.org.

This holiday season, it’s that simple to be Glad to Give! Thanks for making a difference today and every day in the lives of kids battling cancer.

L’Oreal Paris has awarded Gretchen Holt Witt the prestigious honor of Women Of Worth, 2011 for her work raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research through the non-profit she and her husband founded, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.  As a recipient, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has been awarded $10,000.00. That’s $10,000 closer to funding the next research project for a new therapy for pediatric cancer.

Now Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has the opportunity to win an additional $25,000 but we need your help!  Starting today, Monday, November 7^th, there will be a public online vote for National Women of Worth. With your help – your votes – together, we can secure another $25,000 for pediatric cancer research.

To learn more please visit the Women of Worth or become a fan on the Women of Worth Facebook page. Hurry, voting ends November 23, 2011!

At Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, we are all about being a Good Cookie, but we cannot deny our love of a good dessert. When The Montei Foundation of Columbus, OH came to us with the idea for a Buckeye State Cookie Challenge to raise funds and awareness for Cookies for Kid’s Cancer this holiday season, we couldn’t help but think of the delicious Buckeye candy. These creamy peanut butter balls are irresistible once dipped in chocolate, and they take us back to our mom’s and nana’s kitchens around the holidays. And as much as we love the sweet candies, this holiday fundraising challenge is even more delicious. From now through December 31^st, every dollar raised for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer by Ohio residents will be matched 100%, up to $25,000, by a grant from The Montei Foundation of Columbus, Ohio. It’s simple. Register to host a bake sale, then contribute to what could be a $50,000 holiday season for the state of Ohio.

To kickoff the challenge, we’re sharing our recipe for Nana’s Buckeye Candy. Below the recipe, find the official press release about the Buckeye State Cookie Challenge inspired by the Montei Foundation. We’re looking forward to a holiday season full of Ohio bake sales.

Nana’s Buckeye Candies

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter

½ cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons shortening

Directions:

In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla and confectioners’ sugar—use your hands! Form smooth, stiff dough. Shape into balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball. Place on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate.

Melt shortening and chocolate together in a metal bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water. Stir occasionally until smooth and remove from heat.

Remove balls from refrigerator. Insert a wooden toothpick into a ball and dip into melted chocolate—do not totally cover. Return to wax paper, chocolate side down, and remove toothpick. Repeat with remaining balls. Refrigerate for 30minutes to set.

Makes about 30 balls.

COOKIES FOR KIDS’ CANCER ANNOUNCES THE BUCKEYE STATE COOKIE CHALLENGE

$25,000 Challenge Grant Inspires Buckeye State Residents to support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer

Califon, NJ – October 31, 2011 Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is pleased to announce The Buckeye State Cookie Challenge – a two month drive for residents of Ohio to support pediatric cancer research with 100% of funds raised matched by a grant from The Montei Foundation of Columbus, Ohio. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national non-profit organization committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancer, the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 18 in the US. Founded by Gretchen and Larry Witt who were inspired by their son Liam’s courageous battle with cancer, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer inspires individuals, communities and businesses to help fight pediatric cancer through the concept of local bake sales.

The Buckeye State Cookie Challenge is simple. From now through December 31^st, every dollar raised for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer by Ohio residents will be matched 100%, up to $25,000, by a grant from The Montei Foundation of Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2000 with funds from the Montei family, the foundation seeks to support non-profits that focus on caring for children. The foundation is eager to support the mission of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer with the help of residents in the Buckeye State.

“We are excited to announce the Buckeye State Cookie Challenge and look forward to seeing the spirit of Ohio come to life with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer events,” says Gretchen Holt Witt, founder of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. “Every day we work to support new, less toxic treatments for pediatric cancer because every child deserves the chance to grow up. This challenge grant from the Montei Foundation will help give more kids the hope they deserve.”

In addition to matching bake sales, The Montei Foundation will match funds from Cookies for Kids’ Cancer cookie sales, which direct 100% of the profits to pediatric cancer research, as well as online donations from Ohio residents. As a special feature during the Buckeye State Cookie Challenge, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is posting a recipe for the traditional Buckeye candy on the organization’s website for supporters from Ohio and all around the country to make and share at their holiday bake sales. To register your holiday event, send cookies, make an online donation or simply get the recipe for Buckeyes, go to www.cookiesforkidscancer.org. Support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer this holiday season.

About Cookies for Kids’ Cancer:

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded by parents inspired by their son’s fight against cancer. Today pediatric cancer remains the number one disease killer of children in the United States, due in large part to a lack of funding for research into new and improved therapies. Through the concept of local bake sales and online cookie sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer inspires individuals, organizations, and businesses to join in the fight against pediatric cancer by raising the funds and awareness necessary to change the facts of pediatric cancer and provide more families with the hope they deserve. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer grants funds raised to leading pediatric cancer research facilities including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Center. For more information, visit www.cookiesforkidscancer.org. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cookiesforkidscancer and Twitter www.twitter.com/cookies4kids.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a recognized 501©3 public charity. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by the law.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is thrilled to announce the newest members of our Good Cookie community: The Gene Haas Foundation, Stewart-Haas Racing, and driver of the No. 39 Sprint Cup Chase car Ryan Newman. THIS SATURDAY NIGHT at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ryan Newman will be racing the Gene Haas Foundation/Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Chevrolet to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research. Here’s a sneak peek of the car getting prepped with one sweet paint scheme.

5 KEY PEDIATRIC CANCER CENTERS RECEIVE OVER $1.7 MILLION IN 2011

CALIFON, NJ, September, 2011 –New Jersey-based Cookies for Kids’ Cancer announces a second round of grants in 2011 for over $1 million to support critical research in the war against pediatric cancer. The funds will go to five top pediatric cancer centers across the country for research that shows great promise in the treatment of childhood cancers.

The current grant cycle released awards for promising research with the strongest chance of making the leap from lab to clinic within the next 24 months. And for the first time ever, the foundation awarded two grants for surgical research. Awards go to five research centers: Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Today pediatric cancer is the number one disease killer of children under the age of 18 in the U.S. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer’s grants are awarded through the foundation’s Medical Advisory Board which is comprised of top researchers in the field of pediatric cancer from the nation’s leading pediatric cancer research institutions.

“Philanthropy plays a critical and essential role in the ongoing battle against childhood cancer,” commented Dr. John Maris of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Medical Advisory Board. “Philanthropic investment in key pediatric cancer research programs will provide the essential catalyst to make more discoveries and move them to improving cure rates as quickly as possible, and a partnership between researchers and ‘investors’ in this mission will be critical to expand in order to make a difference now.”

“Our focus is on funding the most promising research,” Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Founder Gretchen Witt said. “We have always believed that if people learn about the need for funding, they will support the cause. These grants represent the support of thousands of people who have held bake sales and other events, bought cookies and believed, like we do, that we can and will make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. We are very excited about the possibilities these projects hold and look forward to seeing them move from the lab to the clinic as quickly as possible.”

These grants represent the second of two grant cycles for 2011, bringing the total grants awarded for 2011 to $1,700,000.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded in 2008 by Gretchen and Larry Witt who were inspired by their son Liam’s courageous battle against pediatric cancer. After learning about the lack of effective therapies, the Witts pledged to support the development of new and less toxic treatments by giving people a simple way to get involved. Through Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, individuals, communities and businesses are inspired to join the fight by hosting bake sales and other events to get involved in pediatric cancer research. Tragically, the Witts’ son Liam came to the end of his four year battle with cancer earlier this year.

About Cookies for Kids’ Cancer:
Today pediatric cancer remains the number one disease killer of children in the United States, due in large part to a lack of funding for research into new and improved therapies. Through the concept of local bake sales and online cookie sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer inspires individuals, organizations, and businesses to join in the fight against pediatric cancer by raising the funds and awareness necessary to change the facts of pediatric cancer and provide more families with the hope they deserve. Thousands of bake sales, raising millions of dollars, have been held in 49 states as well as Puerto Rico, Canada and the United Kingdom. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer grants funds to leading pediatric cancer research facilities including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Center. For more information, visit www.cookiesforkidscancer.org. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cookiesforkidscancer and Twitter www.twitter.com/cookies4kids.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a recognized 501(c)3 public charity duly incorporated. Your donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.

Each month, we are going to be featuring a“Good Cookie of the Month”. We will ask for nominations on Facebook and do a monthly blog post featuring the winning bake sale host. We wanted to kick off our new blog series by telling you about Trisha Shepard – Good Cookie bake sale host from Austin, TX.

(Trisha is third from the left. Laura is to her left.)

Trisha was the host of the Austin, TX Girls Night Out on September 7, as well as the Austin Family Festival and city wide bake sale. Not only was the event a huge success, she coordinated volunteers to bake and package cookies despite the wildfires and promoted the events.

She heard about Cookies’ and Liam’s story through her sister-in-law, Jennifer, who lives in Richmond, VA. When Liam lost his battle Trisha had been following the Cookies’ story for a while and she felt like she needed to be doing something to make a difference. She knew she needed to become a part of the “Good Cookie” community when she heard there wasn’t enough funding to carry out potentially life saving studies for kid’s cancer. For Trisha, feeling grateful for her own blessings was not enough. At the very least she wanted to host a bake sale, but she ended up doing so much more.

Jennifer asked if Trisha would be interested in a 7,000-cookie donation. Trisha didn’t know exactly how to sell that many cookies, but she wanted to be a part of it. Trisha knew if Liam could battle cancer for 4 years and if Gretchen could fight right along with him, she couldn’t even think twice about the amount of work that would go into such an event. She wanted to prevent the outcome for another child and honor Liam and his impact on the world.

Trisha and her sister-in-law knew they wanted to raise awareness and funds. They also wanted to capture what Cookies’ is all about by holding bake sales. Trisha realized she could do more than just any ordinary bake sale. She realized that every women must have a regular girls night out, right?! Trisha decided to take advantage of that and spruce it up. She tied her two ideas together; she asked people to spend their GNO honoring Cookies’, the families battling pediatric cancer, and raising funds for research. They knew if they offered the same staples of a regular GNO it would be a huge success, and it was!

They also created a family oriented event with the same mission. They wanted to create an event where people would make an effort to bring their families in the midst of a busy week. And most importantly Trisha wanted the event to help people remember Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Trisha asked people she knew and even some that she didn’t to join in. She eventually gathered a committee of 5 moms who were committed to raising awareness and funds for Cookies’. She posted a call for volunteers on their local People Against Cancer board. Another woman who had been following Liam’s story, Laura McDonough, also contacted Trisha to get involved. Laura became Trisha’s wing woman and it wouldn’t have been a success without her.

It wasn’t an easy breezy path along the way to the big event. The evening before their big baking and packaging day, the neighborhood surrounding the restaurant was being evacuated due to wildfires! The road to the restaurant where they would be baking and packaging was shutdown. But nonetheless the cookies were baked and packaged because volunteers found a way to make it happen.

The GNO ended up being a HUGE success. 96 women attended—all anxious to bid on some of the silent auction packages that were donated by dozens of local businesses. And most of all, they were excited to learn more about Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. The family festival and the city wide bake sale were also a success despite competition from other fundraisers that sprung up due to the wildfire damage. All in all these Austin events raised over $25,000!

The takeaway message: anyone can create a big event. Trisha had no idea how she would fit all the planning into her already busy life, but she made it her mission. Make a plan, ask some friends to get on board with you, and it will happen. Thank you Trisha for showing us what can happen when a few passionate moms come together for a great cause!