The day we made a difference

Several months ago, when I read about the Cookies For Kids' Cancer organization, I knew I would host a bake sale and raise money for pediatric cancer. What I didn't know is what an amazing experience it would be, how much it would change my life, and how thankful I would be to have been a small part of a big need.

The planning started a month ago, when I sent out an email asking family and friends to help with baking, sign making, working the sale, etc. My good friend, Amy, was doing the same and within hours, we had a list of over 50 people wanting to help! Great White Hunter also got involved, soliciting help from his business connections. Hubby really came through with some nice donations and even four Spurs ticket, which we raffled off and brought in an extra $1,000. Even our big, beautiful banners were donated to us.

The week prior to the sale, friends drove all over town putting up signs. We had signs everywhere: in shop windows, at the checkout counters of major retailers, at schools, everywhere.

The day before our Bake Sale, our volunteers began delivering us boxes and bags of the most incredible baked goods. In fact, we had so much stuff, I truly thought I would have to host a two-day sale to sell it all. There were three tables loaded with goodies, and under each table were boxes filled with things waiting for space to be put out. You name it, we had it. A myriad of cookies, muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, breads, biscotti, brownies, lemon bars; basically everything but fudge. Which is funny, because one of the first people to visit our sale looked at the three tables full of baked goods and asked, "You got any fudge?" Nope. No fudge.

Location, location, location! How true this is. With a little perseverance, I managed to get a booth space donated so we could hold our bake sale at a local outdoor Market Days. This turned out to be so worth the effort. We were given a prime spot at our town's Market Days. Front and center, you couldn't miss us. Our booth was constantly swamped with people, even 30 minutes before Market Days officially opened. We sold everything, which I didn't think was possible in one day. We also raised over $5,000. In one day. Amazing.

Our sweet Dorothy was a big helper, too. She handed people cookies and put their donations in the jar. She blew lots of kisses and gave lots of hugs and said many thank yous. And she remained happy and playful all day. Not one single melt-down. Not one tear shed. FOR SEVEN HOURS. I think she was just grateful to be outside enjoying a beautiful day, and not stuck in the hospital.

During our bake sale, we met adult survivors of pediatric cancer, survivors of all types of cancer, and people currently fighting the battle who were so glad to give. For me, there is not one moment of this day that wasn't meaningful, or special, or didn't make me teary-eyed. Absolutely everything was awe-inspiring. Something that made this day even more special, though, was that I was able to share it with my family and good, good friends. And knowing we were able to contribute to such a great cause, well, no words can describe that feeling.

It's a been a week since our Bake Sale, and I'm finally recovering. I still think about it all the time, and it still gives me chills to know how generous people were. Even right now when so many families are struggling, they still gave without hesitation. It was an awesome day, and I can't wait for next year.

With heartfelt thanks

I woke up Sunday morning a different person. Our Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale on Saturday was a life-changing experience, and one of the most amazing days of my life. I am so proud to say we raised $5,075.27 (and thanks to The Glad Products Company, our total is $10,150.54). I will post photos and more about the event very soon, so please check back. For now, I have to give a heartfelt thank you to some very special people. My sweet friend Amy, my partner in putting this event together. There are no words big enough to express my gratitude. And to my friends Jen and Anne. They spent their day helping out at the Bake Sale, and it was amazing sharing this adventure with them. I love you all very much and could not have done this without you. Also a huge thank you to this hip momma. She took countless photos to help us relive these memories forever. I am so grateful for your help.

Most of all, the grateful hearts of sweet Dorothy and all the other children bravely battling this very ugly disease thank you. To everyone who was a part of this event, you will never know how much we appreciate you. Let's keep up the fight and continue to be good cookies, because too many children need our help.