Where can you find raffle prizes and all the cookies you could ever want? Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Bake Sale will offer all three. The event will be held tomorrow at Baila Venues in Northport from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Brooke Falls, a sophomore studying pre-med, and Julia Perkins, a freshman majoring in nursing, will be hosting the event to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Although neither of the girls has personal experience with the disease, they both feel strongly about helping the community and those affected by the illness.
“It’s sad because pediatrics doesn’t get as much funding because pharmaceutical companies don’t make as much money off of them,” Falls said. “Being pre-med, I wanted to do something for the community to raise money for pediatric research.”
Neither of the girls knew anything about the organization until early this summer when Falls saw a commercial advertising the group. She immediately called one of her friends to help organize an event of their own.
“Brooke called and needed help, so I said sure,” Perkins said. “I love doing community service. Plus, I love cookies.”
For these two students, the summer was spent going from store to store and from business to business asking for help and donations. Several places such as Publix, McAlister’s Deli and Buffalo Rock Bottling Co. provided cookies, drinks and raffle prizes to aid the charity. The girls said they were grateful for the support from businesses and the community.
“We’re really fortunate that people have been willing to help. I really hope a lot of people come out,” Falls said.
The girls said they are trying to encourage other students and community members to get involved by donating money, purchasing raffle tickets and cookies, or simply showing up. Although the main point of the event is to help fund a cure for pediatric cancer, another important goal is spreading awareness of the disease and the impact it has on the community.
“There are so many scams out there. I don’t want people to think it’s all about the money,” Perkins said.
Falls said they understand the country is going through an economic recession and many may not feel they have the means to help, but she wants to reassure the community that every little bit counts.
“I volunteered at the hospital, so I know there are a lot of sick people, and any donation makes a difference,” she said.
Cookiesforkidscancer.org or the event’s page on Facebook offer more information to anyone interested. To donate directly, checks can be mailed to Cookies for Kids Cancer Research P.O. Box 75 in Samantha, Ala. 35482.
