With a mission to become a household name, Icing Smiles is thrilled to announce the launch of its new, exciting website, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards greater awareness and impact.

Every smile counts and every cake brings joy. Icing Smiles has been a shining beacon for over 14 years. Founded by Tracy Quisenberry, our organization has tirelessly served medically ill children and their siblings, spreading happiness one cake at a time. In today’s digital age, a nonprofit’s online presence is more crucial than ever. A strong website serves as the face of the organization, conveying its mission, values, and impact to the world. With a mission to become a household name, Icing Smiles is thrilled to announce the launch of its new, exciting website, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards greater awareness and impact.

The website refresh couldn’t have come at a better time. As Chelsea Boog, Marketing Manager, puts it,

This sentiment echoes the organization’s commitment to expanding its reach and making a lasting impression on communities nationwide. The revamped website is not just a cosmetic makeover; it’s a reflection of the growth, dedication, and innovation that define Icing Smiles.

Partnering for Progress: The Collaboration with Pixel Lighthouse

Behind every successful website redesign lies a dedicated team of experts. Icing Smiles found their perfect match in Pixel Lighthouse, a nonprofit website agency fueled by a passion for helping organizations thrive online. Together, they’ve embarked on a transformative journey to create a website that not only reflects the heart and soul of Icing Smiles but also paves the way for future growth and success. Andrea Hattox, Creative Lead, shares;

Reflecting on Growth: Tracy Quisenberry’s Vision

Tracy Quisenberry expresses her excitement, stating,

Indeed, in 14 years, Icing Smiles has delivered over 30,500 cakes and 6,600 dozen cookies, touching the lives of families in all 50 states. The Icing Smiles team has grown to a network of over 13,000 volunteers. The new website reflects this remarkable journey and sets the stage for even greater accomplishments in the future.

Bridging the Gap: Amanda Grinnell’s Optimism

Amanda Grinnell, Development Manager, sees the website launch as more than just a milestone—it’s a gateway to the future. By making resources readily available, the stronger online presence of Icing Smiles fosters a sense of community and connection. Amanda shares her enthusiasm for the launch.

The Impact for Families and Bakers: Lauren Smith’s Perspective

Lauren Smith, Operations Manager, finds immense value in the new site, which empowers families and bakers to effortlessly navigate and explore all that Icing Smiles has to offer. As new visitors arrive, they’ll seamlessly discover the heart of Icing Smiles’ mission, understanding the profound impact we make in the lives of medically ill children and their siblings. Moreover, they can easily navigate to apply for a cake or sign up to become a Sugar Angel, contributing their baking talents to our cause. Lauren shares,

A Testament to Excellence: Cindy Johnson’s Dedication

Cindy Johnson, Technology Manager, reflects on the evolution of Icing Smiles’ online presence.

With meticulous attention to detail, the Technology Team has ensured that the new website is a seamless experience for all visitors, brimming with excellence in every aspect.

Embracing the Sweetness: Inviting Visitors to Explore

As visitors explore the new Icing Smiles website, they’ll be greeted with a vibrant, user-friendly interface that reflects the organization’s spirit of joy and inclusivity. From heartwarming success stories to easy-to-navigate resources for bakers and families, every aspect of the website is designed to inspire, inform, and engage.

So, whether you’re a volunteer eager to make a difference, a family in need of a little sweetness, or simply someone looking to support a worthy cause, the new Icing Smiles website invites you to be a part of something truly special. Join us as we continue to spread smiles, one cake at a time, and illuminate the lives of those who need it most.

Icing Smiles Website Launch Contest

We’re thrilled to unveil our brand new website, designed to spread even more joy through the power of cake! To celebrate, we’re hosting a fun and interactive contest just for you.

How to Participate:

1. Explore: Visit our new website at www.icingsmiles.org and navigate through its pages.
2. Hunt for Keywords: Keep your eyes peeled for four specific keywords hidden across different pages of the website. These keywords will come together to form a special phrase.
3. Compose the Sentence: Once you’ve discovered all four keywords, put them together in the correct order to form the complete phrase.
4. Submit Your Entry: Fill out the contest form on our website for your chance to win!

What You Could Win:

Icing Smiles Swag Pack filled with Icing Smiles gear!

Contest Deadline:

Make sure to submit your entry before May 31, 2024 to be entered into the drawing.

Get ready to embark on a sweet adventure through our new website and uncover the hidden gems within! Best of luck and thank you for being a part of spreading smiles with Icing Smiles!

Contest HINTS:

• What makes cakes so important?
• These Super Star Sponsors deserve the spotlight and lots of thanks for making our program possible
• Fundraising or Friendraising – important parts of our mission and a great way to get involved
• The Angels of our Program

Icing Smiles Founder and Executive Director Tracy Quisenberry was in middle school when she knew she wanted to be an accountant. Her mom had struggled to make ends meet after her parents divorced, and Tracy had heard that accountants always had jobs. She was attracted to the stability. 

“Which is kind of ironic,” Tracy says with a laugh. “Because starting a nonprofit is the farthest thing from stability that you could possibly think of.”

But Tracy knows what it’s like to sit with the fear of the unknown, to have life turned upside down by childhood illness, and to struggle with feeling like there’s nothing you can do. This led her to an idea for how to give an ounce of control, a pinch of stability, and a heaping tablespoon of joy back to families who were in the midst of difficult situations. 

The Seeds of Inspiration

Ronnie, Tracy’s first Make-A-Wish kid

Tracy was an accounting undergraduate when she was exposed to the world of childhood illness. Home to the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, THON, Penn State University hosts an annual dance marathon that raises money for children and families impacted by childhood cancer. 

“Little did I know that the children who came to encourage us would capture my heart with their courage and positive attitude,” she says. 

After college, while working at an accounting firm in Philadelphia, Tracy volunteered for Make-A-Wish. Ronnie, her first Make-A-Wish kid, left a deep impression.

“I remember wanting to scoop that kid up and bear hug him so tight that his brain tumor would be the least of his worries,” Tracy says. “I remember thinking that this kid who is going through so much is so ‘normal.’ I remember thinking that his mom was a rock star for her ability to raise such a great kid under impossible circumstances. I remember that his gratitude and humility was a rush to which I could easily become addicted. I remember that I knew instantly that he had impacted me for a lifetime.”

Childhood Illness Changes Everything

Tracy with her children, Justin and Emily

When Tracy got pregnant with her first child, she was working as a high-powered international tax director at Marriott International. Like many soon-to-be moms, she had imagined many precious newborn moments soon after the birth, like introducing her daughter to friends and family and the idyllic drive home from the hospital.

Instead, her daughter’s first few days were anything but. Emily was born prematurely, and after each feeding, she would turn “dusky.” On her second day, she had to be rushed to the NICU. Tracy was discharged while her daughter remained in the hospital. Although her daughter was only diagnosed with severe infant acid reflux and released a week later, Tracy says she’ll “never forget the fear of the unknown while we waited to find out what was wrong. I just wanted to protect my baby, and I sat helpless on the postpartum floor.”

Three years later, her infant son — also premature — started experiencing significant chronic health concerns. She traded meetings on tax strategy for doctor appointments and eventually took a leave of absence from her job to focus on her son’s care and attempt to maintain a “normal” life for her healthy daughter. 

“Justin’s illness turned our lives completely upside down,” Tracy says. “You don’t know what’s wrong, you don’t have a diagnosis, you just know you’re at the whim of whatever is going on with his body, and your life is not yours.”

Although both of her kids are healthy today — Tracy is quick to say that she realizes how blessed she is — she can still easily recall the panic and fear she felt while dealing with her childrens’ illnesses. 

“My experience with my kids, while it wasn’t significant, certainly played into why I wanted to give back to families with sick kids,” she says.

The Power of Cake

While on leave, Tracy needed something positive to focus on — and what is more positive than cake? 

“I threw myself into baking,” says Tracy, who created cakes for her children, family, and friends. For Tracy, the allure of baking wasn’t so much the process itself but rather in the response the cakes elicited. She delighted in the way a well-executed cake could surprise and impress people, transforming their demeanor and imbuing any occasion with a more positive atmosphere. “People are just not sad around a cake,” Tracy says. “It changes the tone, no matter the event.”

Tracy quickly recognized the power of cake to uplift people’s spirits and create a memorable experience. “But there weren’t enough reasons to bake.”

Then a neighbor told Tracy about a little girl named Violet. She had battled undiagnosed illness for several months before learning that she had a brain tumor. For Violet’s seventh birthday, Tracy baked Icing Smiles’ first cake.

Violet’s mom Robin remembers the day of the delivery: “Violet had never had a fancy cake like that before. Not only was it beautiful — it was delicious. Tracy did such a great job capturing Violet’s personality without even meeting her in person before making the cake! It was the best cake ever!”

Accounting for Joy

Tracy officially incorporated Icing Smiles in October 2009. Thanks to her accounting background, she was able to do all of the paperwork herself. 

“Icing Smiles would not exist if it wasn’t for what I do for a living,” she says. “I prepared our incorporation documents. I prepared our 501c3 charitable status filing with the IRS. Professional fees to start a nonprofit will average $5,000 to $15,000. There’s no way I could have made that investment. I just did it on my own.”

Through her experience with Make-A-Wish, Tracy knew she wanted bakers to work directly with the families, rather than through social workers. “I wanted volunteers to have the same experience I had granting Ronnie’s wish,” she says. “I wanted our Sugar Angels to meet these kids who give us more than we give them. I wanted them to connect with parents who are living a life they never expected or wanted.”

For the first six months, Tracy had trouble finding kids to serve. Then, through the power of social media, a request was made for Ben, who was receiving treatment for neuroblastoma at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City. Tracy cold-called several of the best bakers in the country, and Kate Sullivan of Cake Power answered the call to action.

“Kate blogged about her experience doing this cake for us and Parents magazine picked it up — and my phone started blowing up,” Tracy recalls. “She was our original vision carrier. In one day, I had 300 volunteer applications. From that day on, it was a runaway train.” 

Icing on the Cake

Icing Smiles has since grown from one baker to over 13,000. Sugar Angels have created over 27,786 cakes and 4,766 dozen cookies. The executive team has graduated from an Excel spreadsheet to a customer relationship management system, which helped cut the average application processing time from 30 minutes to 10 minutes. And each year, they need to raise over $175,000 to make it all happen. 

“As a CPA, I know how to be fiscally responsible for an organization, and that is a big factor in our success,” says Tracy, who rejoined the corporate world in 2014 and is now the international tax lead at EchoStar Corp. “I know how to manage funds. I treat our donations as if they are my money. We’re very fiscally conservative. But the stress that comes with ensuring we can pay our bills — this is unbelievable. We are often asked why we need cash when our cakes are donated. It is hard for people to understand that we can’t pay our bills in cake.” 

When things get stressful, Tracy thinks about Felicia and Chelsea and Teresa and Kristen.

“A lot of people think Icing Smiles is about the kids,” Tracy says. “For me, it’s not. It’s about the moms. It’s about giving them the ability to do something for their child in a time when everything is spinning out of control for them. It gives them some control back.”

Give a Smile

A cake is so much more than a cake. It is a way to show someone they are not alone. It is a memory during difficult times. It is a temporary escape and a sense of normalcy for families rocked by childhood illness. To quote one of our medical moms, “It is the gasp of air just when you think you are going to drown.”

Help us tell them they are not alone. Help us give them a small escape and glimpse at normal. Sometimes feeling normal is enough to keep you going. Tracy will ensure your donation goes a long way!

You would think by now I would have my elevator speech down.  The problem is there was no “lightbulb” moment.  It was a million different life events that each handed me a piece of the puzzle.  When I put those pieces together it became Icing Smiles.  I would like to introduce you to one of those pieces, Ronnie.  Ronnie was my first Make-A-Wish kid.

I was a recent college graduate working at an accounting firm in Philadelphia trying to find “purpose.”  Having been exposed to the world of childhood illness through the Penn State Dance Marathon as an undergrad, I thought I may find that purpose as a Wish Granter for Make-A-Wish.  What I found was Ronnie.  Ronnie, a HUGE movie buff, wanted a big screen TV.  We were able to do so much more.  I will never forget pulling up to his home in a Limo to take him to Toys-R-Us for a private shopping spree before they opened.  Management made such a big deal about him being there and he was allowed to fill the cart with whatever he wanted.  Then we went on to Best Buy where I had to “fight” with the manager to to get a deal on the TV he wanted.  The “fight” ended when I told him to come out to the car to meet Ronnie.  I am pretty sure we left with the biggest TV in stock at a very sweet price.  

I believe that there was a lot more to that day but 25 years have faded the details.  While the specifics have faded, the emotions attached to the day are as vivid today as they were then.  I remember wanting to scoop that kid up and bear hug him so tight that his brain tumor would be the least of his worries.  I remember thinking that this kid who is going through so much is SO “normal.”  I remember thinking that his mom was a “rock star” for her ability to raise such a great kid under impossible circumstances.  I remember that his gratitude and humility was a rush to which I could easily become addicted.  I remember that I knew instantly that he had impacted me for a lifetime.

As I put the Icing Smiles puzzle together, it was that personal experience with Ronnie that would become our model.  He is why we connect Sugar Angels to the families directly rather than work through social workers.  I wanted our volunteers to have the same experience I had granting Ronnie’s wish.  I wanted them to meet these kids who give us more than we give them.  I wanted them to connect with parents who are living a life they never expected or wanted.  Nothing motivates you to do more than experiencing the impact you are having on others so the model would be self-sustaining.

My experience with Ronnie came full circle about 6 years ago.  Icing Smiles was asked to do a cake for the Ronald McDonald Camp for kids with cancer.  We were honored, but nothing topped my excitement when I found out that Ronnie was now an adult counselor at that very camp.  It seemed like the “God Wink” I needed to let me know I was doing exactly what He planned for me.

On October 10th, Ronnie’s body decided it was done fighting.  That “boy” lived his faith and I firmly believe that he is pain-free and planning out his movie schedule for eternity.  Today he is laid to rest and family circumstances are getting in the way of me getting to Philadelphia to celebrate his life with his family.  I can only hope that this substitute will be enough to honor his legacy.

To his mom, Tracey – From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing him with me.  There is a piece of him in every cake we serve.

With Love + Cake Always,

Tracy Quisenberry 

Icing Smiles Founder and Executive Director

Today I would like to highlight a philanthropy that is near and dear to my heart, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.  In addition to being a great event, Dance Marathon started the spark 27 years ago that lead to the creation of Icing Smiles.  The Dance Marathon, also simply known as Thon, started at Penn State in 1973 and has grown into the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. Thon is a yearlong effort to raise funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer.

Raising funds

Over 350 student organizations at Penn State work throughout the year to raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer.  When I first got involved with Dance Marathon in 1990 I was ecstatic that the event raised over half a million dollars.  The event has continually grown each year and in 2016 Dance Marathon raised over $9 million! In total, since 1977 Dance Marathon has raised over $137 million.

Four Diamonds

Dance Marathon raises money for Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital in Hershey, PA.  The money is used to cover all medical expenses that insurance won’t cover for children admitted to Hershey Medical Center for cancer treatment.  This lifts a huge financial burden off of families so they can focus on their kids. Four Diamonds has also established numerous research endowments, bringing them one step closer to a cure.

Dancing for 46 hours!

The year-long preparations culminate in a 46 hour dance marathon.  My first involvement was as a dancer my sophomore year at Penn State with Icing Smiles founder Tracy Quisenberry and eight other “brothers” from our business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi.  While you don’t technically have to dance, you have to be awake and on your feet for the entire time. At the time, I joined because I thought it would be something fun to do, not realizing that it would be a grueling and inspirational weekend.  Many of the Four Diamonds families attend the Dance Marathon and the kids are so inspiring!  They make you realize that the temporary pain in your feet is totally worth it to see these kids smile.

From dancing for the kids to baking for the kids

As a college student I didn’t realize that one weekend of dancing would inspire me to continue to work in a field where I can help children facing critical illness.  Lucky for me and over 12,000 cake recipients, the Dance Marathon started the spark for Tracy Quisenberry to create her own nonprofit focused on the children battling critical illness.  Tracy states, “Little did I know that the children who came to encourage us would capture my heart with their courage and positive attitude.”  To read more about why Icing Smiles was founded read Our Beginning.

Source: The Daily Collegian.  Five year old Garrett Shover with his dad Troy at the 2016 Dance Marathon.

Thon 2017

Dance Marathon will occur again Feb 17-19, 2017.  We cheer on the dancers and supporters.  We look forward to seeing how the event will continue to support Four Diamonds and their mission to conquer childhood cancer!

Submitted by contributing writer and Technology Manager Kim Hearn.

Six years ago, this month, Icing Smiles began with one hobby baker, one cake and one incredible little girl.

That hobby baker was Tracy Quisenberry, and the little girl was Violet. “I delivered our first cake to this beautiful 7 year old girl. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew that the experience would define what Icing Smiles would become. She was reserved and barely spoke, yet she left a mark that motivated me to see where this journey would lead.”

Violet was the baby of the family. With two older brothers, you can imagine the dynamic. This spunky little sweetheart “tormenting” her brothers and all three loving every minute of it. Violet was their princess, warm, thoughtful and the center of the family’s world.

Not long after her 6th birthday, Violet began getting sick. She battled the undiagnosed illness for several months. On November 19, 2009 her family received the devastating news that Violet had a brain tumor. Five short days later, Violet went in for surgery to remove the tumor. As large as a baseball at this time, her doctors could not remove it, but they were able to biopsy the mass. The diagnosis was PNET tumor (primitive neuroectodermal tumor). This amazing little princess underwent five rounds of strong chemo to shrink the tumor.

In and out of the hospital and battling the effects of the chemo, Violet was still ready to celebrate her 7th birthday in January 2010! Every birthday is a celebration of life, but for Violet’s family this was the most special. When Tracy and Violet’s mom, Robin, connected and planned her cake, Tracy had never met Violet. Robin remembers the day of the delivery. “Violet had never had a fancy cake like that before, and not only was it beautiful it was delicious. Tracy did such a great job capturing Violet’s personality without even meeting her in person before making the cake! It was the BEST CAKE EVER!” What a sweet memory the experience created for Violet and her family!

In the summer of 2010, and now at half the original size, Violet’s doctors removed almost all of the tumor. The family prepared for a stem cell transplant and radiation. Doctors felt this combination would take care of the rest and give Violet her normal life back.

In doing some pre-testing, cancerous cells were found during the spinal tap. An MRI confirmed the cancer had spread down the back of her brain and spine. After 6 weeks of very strong radiation, and MRI showed the cancer was gone. Robin and the family were cautious. “We were very excited but still skeptical because we had seen before how fast the cancer comes back. Violet started back to school and I headed back to work hoping to put this all behind us.” Within two weeks, Violet became sick again. The MRI showed the cancer had returned.

On December 7, 2010, Violet lost her battle against this vicious disease. “She was the bravest person I ever met. She never once through this whole experience felt sorry for herself or acted scared. She fought this with a spunkiness I couldn’t believe and with a smile on her face.” A smile that has become the foundation and heart of Icing Smiles.

Violet’s mom, Robin, her dad and brothers struggle every day. “We struggle to make it through life without her. I miss her so much I physically feel the pain. She was definitely the icing on top of our cake! Not only has Icing Smiles helped us with the cake, but everyone has supported us by keeping her memory alive. This means so much to our family. My biggest fear is no one remembering her or thinking of her anymore. She will always be seen and known by the followers of Icing Smiles, and I am so thankful for this.”

Violet secured the vision of Icing Smiles and defines so much of our mission. Her sweet smile has stolen the hearts of so many and continues to welcome everyone to Icing Smiles.

“I am honored that Icing Smiles will forever share a birthday with this angel. Happy Birthday Violet and to our friends, families and partners, thank you for six amazing years and 10,000 Smiles.” – Tracy