Cookies For Kids Cancer Fund Raiser

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.



The Royal Wedding Celebration at Halcyon

There's a party going on at Halcyon.  Check out these festive party goers! Visit the gallery for more pics!

Johnny Meatballs On A Roll

Lou Palma and Johnny "Meatballs" DeCarloToday, at Star Ravioli in Moonachie, NJ, Johnny "Meatballs" DeCarlo launched his meatball cart, aptly named, Johnny "Meatballs" On A Roll.

All of our favorite foodies were there to celebrate his launch, including the "gastromechanic" Lou Palma, Anthony "Tony Mangia" Scillia, and founder of EatItalian.com, Alan Watts. 

Click here for more pics.

A Royal Feast in Montclair!

All over Montclair people are preparing to celebrate the Royal Wedding.  And like any good celebration, this one requires great food and drink.  So what are people eating?

The Pie Store, 100 Watchung Avenue, Montclair, has put together an Afternoon Tea Menu featuring British specialties.  The menu offers four different varieties of mini tea sandwiches - cucumber and mint, Coronation chicken, egg salad with arugula, and smoked salmon with capers, $1.25 each.  Also on the menu are mini sausage rolls at $1.25 each, mini Cornish pasties, $2.75 each, fruit scones, $1.75 each, and cheddar cheese scones, $2.25 each.   

While I was at the Pie Store, I bumped into Montclair resident and fellow foodie, Sarah Colwell, originally from Essex.  Sarah was toting a William and Kate bag and even had the matching bumper sticker on her car! Tomorrow morning, at 5 am, Sarah will celebrating the royal nuptials by hosting a traditional English Breakfast, complete with bangers, bacon, black pudding, fried or scrambled eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, and fried bread.  This will be followed by Sherry Trifle and William’s favorite,  “fridge cake”.  The eats will be washed down with Guinness and/or champagne, or a mixture of both, known as Black Velvet.

Tomorrow, Halcyon, 114 Walnut Street, Montclair, which has been repainted royal blue in honor of the Royal Wedding, will be opening it’s doors at 2:30 pm. Sharon Egan and company will be airing the wedding 3 pm,  and awarding prizes all afternoon for categories such as the best brides maid dress, the best courtesy, the best royal wave, the best top hat, and the best ladies hat.  Attendees will also receive a complimentary Pimms cup and Bucks Fizz (mimosa). Complimentary tea sandwiches, buttered scones and clotted cream, will also be served, in addition Sarah Colwell's Fridge Caketo Sherry Trifle and, of course, wedding cake. 

Rumor has it that there will even be special celebrity appearances by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Queen, along with random men in kilts.  If this doesn’t sound like a party to you, then I don’t know what would! 

I’ll be at Halcyon taking pictures and shooting video.  Stay tuned to Patch and Hot From The Kettle for more!