Icing Smiles Press Kit
For media inquiries, please contact Karen Griffiths, Assistant Director, at 612-715-2977 or ad@icingsmiles.org.
For media inquiries, please contact Karen Griffiths, Assistant Director, at 612-715-2977 or ad@icingsmiles.org.
In 2010, Tracy Quisenberry discovered the magic capability of a unique cake to transport her young son to a sugary world of fantasy and imagination. Through her passion for service, she started baking for friends and soon founded Icing Smiles to create these types of memories for children whose worlds are rocked by illness.
Icing Smiles has since created over 28,700 custom cakes for children who have a life-threatening medical condition that is considered progressive, degenerative, or malignant and are within two years of their most recent treatment. The organization, headquartered in Maryland, also serves children who require frequent or extended hospitalizations and siblings of qualified medical children, including siblings of those who have earned their wings within the last 2 years.
Serving kids in all 50 states through a network of over 13,000 volunteer bakers and more than 50 volunteer administrative staff, Icing Smiles operates almost entirely on volunteer resources.
Icing Smiles understands that the simple things, like a birthday cake, are luxuries to a family battling illness. Our goal is to create a custom cake for the ill child, or their sibling, that provides a temporary escape from worry and creates a positive memory during a difficult time.
We know that each cake we serve is more than just a cake, these baked treats are a chance to smile and celebrate. Memories have magical powers. Long after the cake is gone, the memories linger – memories of the kindness of a stranger, of the art of the design, of the sweet smells of a special treat, of the smiles and laughs, of a normal childhood experience so often stolen from these children. These memories are why we say, “It is so much more than a cake.”
Karen Griffiths
Assistant Director
612-715-2977
ad@icingsmiles.org
Cakes Delivered and Counting
Volunteers Strong
Dozen Cookies Shipped and Counting
Serve in all 50 States
“My daughter Ellie turned 6 on April 29th. In the past year, she has become obsessed with penguins and wanted to have a penguin themed birthday party. She dressed up as a zookeeper, wearing the same attire as our local zoo staff does. Our baker Wendy went above and beyond to create a penguin cake of Ellie’s dreams. Wendy heard that Ellie’s favorite species of penguin is the Humbolt and set out to create a near life-size replica, all the way down to the markings on the penguin’s chest, which is how the zookeepers distinguish who is who. Ellie’s birthday party was truly magnificent–she played with her friends, ate the delicious cake, and then took everyone to the zoo to show them real live Humbolts!”
“Emily so deserved this wonderful birthday surprise! Last year she had to celebrate her 14th birthday in the hospital when her younger brother was diagnosed with leukemia just a few days earlier. This year we did it up right for her. Thank you for making her day amazing!!”
“Lucy’s 4th Birthday. This was her first real birthday celebration. Being able to eat cake is only possible because of her liver transplant, and this is the first year where Lucy no longer has a g-tube and is enjoying all kinds of food! Having a custom Icing Smiles cake just for her made our celebration extra special! She eagerly awaited her party and her ‘dream cake’ and was full of smiles when she saw it and was able to share it with her friends.”
Making Good follows comedian Kirby Heyborne as he gets his hands dirty, working side-by-side with founders of charities and non-profits who are touching lives all across the United States. Along the way, he shares laughs, tears, and songs with his newfound friends and learns exactly what it takes to make good.
SOUTH FLORIDA — Watch the video above to learn three things you may not know about Icing Smiles. Catch 3 Things during the FOX 29 10 O’clock News and be the first to know what your favorite nonprofit is up to and how you can get involved.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Abigail Arias turns 7-years-old Friday. The Texas girl is battling terminal cancer and at the same time, clinging to a wish. The desire to be a police officer.
Now, the wish has come true and Abigail is in Las Vegas to celebrate.
A parade of Nevada Highway Patrol troopers brought Officer Abigail Arias to her 7th birthday party. Inside, a room full of super heroes, cake, and gifts. Her heart ballooned with excitement as she opened presents.
MILWAUKEE — A sweet treat, a complete stranger and a sense of comfort. Brian Kramp introduces us to a local family going through a hard time — and the Milwaukee artist making a difference in their lives.
For a preschooler, there aren’t many things more exciting than their birthday, well, that and maybe…
“Baseball, he’s crazy about baseball,” said Meghan, mother.
Icing Smiles Sugar Angel, Beth Townsend, crafted a custom ‘purrmaid’ celebration cake for a young girl impacted by a critical illness. The cake was delivered on a fire truck and a celebration ensued.
What is a cake? Flour, sugar and some eggs? For some, a cake provides a moment to be normal… A break from life-saving medical treatments or to mark the end of them.
Founder / Executive Director
Read Tracy’s Bio »
Email Tracy »
Assistant Director
Read Karen’s Bio »
Email Karen »
Karen Griffiths
Assistant Director
612-715-2977
ad@icingsmiles.org
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