Sunday, November 22, 2009

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.

9 comments:

Beth said...

What an awesome thing to do! It warms my heart to hear about people like you who are making a difference!

yiayiafran said...

Grandma Mary, and we, are so very proud of you.
Your hard work will inspire others to take the ball and run with it.
We saw a bumper sticker today on our way home from church that said,"Who would Jesus bomb?"
Let's bomb the real enemies, diseases that affect the world's children.
Much love,
Aunt Fran and Uncle Nick

yiayiafran said...

Grandma Mary, and we, are so very proud of you.
Your hard work will inspire others to take the ball and run with it.
We saw a bumper sticker today on our way home from church that said,"Who would Jesus bomb?"
Let's bomb the real enemies, diseases that affect the world's children.
Much love,
Aunt Fran and Uncle Nick

Honorary Indian said...

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Can't wait till next year. xo.

Unknown said...

I am so proud of you for being a part of this event and I only wish I could of been there with you to help! You know I would of sis...xo

Lionel Messi said...

תודה
המאמר טוב
good boy

Lionel Messi said...

תודה
המאמר טוב
good boy

Wanda said...

Nicole, I want to give you a big hug! Your words moved me to tears. I also love to write and I appreciate the beauty of words.

I so wish we could have been there! We had a family event and simply could not make it due to distance. I was with you in heart and spirit. Next time I will definitely make it!
Tell my brother I love him and I am so proud of him.
To the two of you and all the volunteers - A job well done!
God bless each of you.

I wonder if I could put together such an event in the Concan/Uvalde area.
They have a lot of arts and craft shows etc. In fact, they had several last week-end. Concan has an event called Concan Christmas that is very nice. They have booths and live music etc.
I know I couldn't put it together for this holiday season, but I bet I could by next year. I know you would help, if I had questions.
You are an inspiration!

Love to you, TJ and Jaden,
Wanda

cottage farm villa said...

Nicole, what a beautiful way to spend your time and energy. Congratulations on your success in collecting donations for a MOST important fund raiser! Your family must be very proud of you ... and your heart must be full. xo Cheryl