On Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. a group of Montclair moms will be conducting bake sales to raise funds for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, nonprofit organization dedicated to pediatric cancer research.
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded by Gretchen Witt to help increase her young son’s odds in his cancer battle.
When 2.5-year-old Liam was diagnosed, Gretchen was shocked to learn that the main reason over 25 percent of kids diagnosed with cancer do not survive is because of a lack of effective therapies. And the reason for the lack of therapies was very simple: lack of funding. Sadly Liam lost his battle to the disease in January. Now a group of Montclair moms are determined to honor Liam’s life and raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Through the concept of local bake sales, Cookies for Kids' Cancer provides the inspiration and support for individuals, communities, and businesses to help fight pediatric cancer.
The bake sale will be taking place at the Van Vleck Gardens, in conjunction with plant sale, and at Edgemont Park at the All Children’s Playground entrance. 100 percent of proceeds will go to support for pediatric cancer research, and Glad Products will be matching 100 percent of monies raised. Local merchants, including Le Baker’s Dozen, Miss Nicky’s Toffee, The Bread Co. Montclair, and The Pie Store will be donating treats as well. And Glad Products will be matching 100 percent of monies raised.
Local mom of two, and organizer of the event, Courtney Cook Foley, says:
The mother who lost her child to cancer - who also started Cookies for Kids Cancer - is personal friends and co-workers with my best friend, Sheila, and Kate, the other 2 ladies who are heading up this sale. I, as a mother, cannot imagine having gone through the torture of watching your child suffer for (in her case) 4 years, all the while hoping and hoping that he would beat it. This cause gives hope to all of the children and their families and friends who are affected by pediatric cancer.
We have had such an amazing outpouring of response to our sale by so many people from Montclair and the surrounding communities. We are deeply affected by the willingness and generosity of everybody who has reached out to us to offer up their time, baking expertise, supplies and advice. People actually reached out to US after reading about our mission...we really didn't have to solicit many people for help. That speaks volumes!
We set our hopes high: $20,000. We are still looking for corporations and/or individuals to do matching of money raised.