Lifted Spirits, Opportunity to Serve, Value Beyond Cake & Everlasting Impact

Love doesn’t always arrive wrapped in ribbons or tied with a bow. 
Sometimes, love walks through hospital hallways carrying a cake box. 
Sometimes, it shows up quietly—baked with care, delivered with compassion, and shared during life’s hardest moments. 

At Icing Smiles, love is at the heart of everything we do. It lives in the hands of our Sugar Angels—volunteer bakers who use their talents to bring joy, comfort, and celebration to families navigating critical illness. 

To capture the meaning of that love, we asked our Sugar Angels to share what L.O.V.E. means to them through their service with Icing Smiles. Their words remind us that while cakes may be temporary, their impact is anything but. 

L — Lifted Spirits 

When a family is overwhelmed by hospital stays, treatments, and uncertainty, joy can feel out of reach. An Icing Smiles cake doesn’t change a diagnosis—but it can change a moment. 

For many families, receiving a cake means one less thing to worry about—and one more reason to smile. 

Sometimes, that joy is visible in ways that stay with a baker forever. 

In those moments, spirits are lifted (the families and the bakers)—and hope feels a little closer. 

O — Opportunity to Serve 

For Sugar Angels, Icing Smiles is an opportunity to turn passion into purpose—using a love of baking to serve families during unimaginably difficult seasons. 

Many bakers describe this opportunity as a gift—one that allows them to give love freely, without expectations. 

Some Sugar Angels come to Icing Smiles with deeply personal connections to the mission. 

Through every cake, Sugar Angels are reminded that service—no matter how small it may seem—can mean everything. 

V — Value Beyond Cake 

An Icing Smiles cake is never just dessert. It’s a pause in the chaos. A moment of normalcy. A chance to celebrate something good. 

Parents often share how these moments change the tone of an otherwise difficult season. 

For children, the cake becomes a reminder that they are still kids—worthy of celebration, joy, and being seen. 

These moments matter. They linger long after the candles are blown out. 

E — Everlasting Impact 

While cakes may be enjoyed in a day, the impact of giving lasts far longer—for both families and bakers. 

Meeting families face-to-face leaves a lasting imprint. 

For many Sugar Angels, serving with Icing Smiles reshapes how they view kindness, gratitude, and purpose. 

This impact continues—cake by cake, family by family. 

Love, Baked In 

At Icing Smiles, LOVE is more than a word—it’s an action. 

It’s lifted spirits during hard days. 
It’s an opportunity to serve with heart. 
It’s value far beyond cake. 
And it’s an everlasting impact felt long after the celebration ends. 

Because every child deserves to be celebrated. 
And together—with our Sugar Angels, families, and supporters—we continue to bake a difference. 

Celebrating the Fifth Annual Ornament!

The holiday season is almost here, and we’re thrilled to unveil our fifth annual Icing Smiles ornament! While Icing Smiles has proudly served families for 15 years, this milestone marks five years of creating a special collectible that captures the heart of our mission: bringing joy, hope, and unforgettable memories to children and families facing medical challenges.

The Inspiration: Awe, Wonder, and a Life-Sized Elsa Cake

This year’s ornament was inspired by a truly magical moment: a child standing in awe before a life-sized Elsa cake created by Paul Joachim. The photo perfectly captures the essence of Icing Smiles — pure joy, wonder, and the unforgettable “smile moment” that comes when a child sees their dream cake for the first time.

While the ornament design adapts the cake for a collectible keepsake, the feeling remains the same: awe, delight, and the incredible impact a cake can have on a child’s life. Cake artist Paul Joachim shares:

Capturing the Mission in Every Detail

The 2025 ornament depicts a child standing beneath a towering five-tier cake, decorated in our signature Icing Smiles colors and whimsical designs. It captures the sparkle in a child’s eyes and the shared happiness of families who, for a moment, can set aside the challenges of medical treatments and simply celebrate childhood.

Tracy, Founder and Executive Director, shares:

Chelsea, Marketing Manager, adds:

Lauren, Operations Manager, who works closely with families, explains:

A Tradition of Five Ornaments

This year’s ornament celebrates the fifth annual collectible in our series. Each ornament tells a story, reminds us of the generosity of our Sugar Angels, and highlights the joy and hope delivered to families across the country. Every purchase supports Icing Smiles’ mission to deliver dream cakes to children facing medical challenges, making the holidays — and every celebration — brighter.

Bring the Magic Home

The Icing Smiles 2025 Ornament is available now! Perfect for your tree, a special gift, or as a keepsake to celebrate the fifth ornament in this cherished series.

Price includes shipping.
Ornaments will begin shipping November 1.
Limited quantities available — order yours today!

By purchasing this ornament, you help us bake a difference, one smile at a time.

Celebrating 10,000 moments of joy, one cookie at a time — and the families, bakers, and sponsors who make it possible.

Ten thousand cookie packages. Ten thousand moments of joy. Ten thousand reminders to families facing unimaginable challenges that they are loved, celebrated, and remembered. This month, Icing Smiles reached an incredible milestone — our 10,000th Surprise Cookie Care Package was delivered. And fittingly, that package went to a very special family we’ve had the privilege of serving multiple times: the Swartz family.

Clara Hope: Defying the Odds

Clara’s story is nothing short of miraculous. She was born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) and a Type 4 Laryngeal Cleft — meaning her lungs were underdeveloped and her esophagus and airway began as one connected tube. This rare combination of conditions had never been survived before.

In her first months of life, Clara endured multiple major surgeries to repair her airway and digestive tract and to place a tracheostomy. She spent her first six months in an ICU, tethered to machines but surrounded by hope. Clara’s mom, Victoria “Tori” Swartz, shares:

Today, Clara requires ventilator support and receives nutrition through a feeding tube, but her doctors expect that by kindergarten she will be free of all equipment — living a healthy, active life.

How the Smiles Began

The Swartz family was introduced to Icing Smiles while still in the thick of Clara’s hospital stay. Tori connected through a Facebook group with another “medical mama” — who turned out to be our Operations Manager, Lauren. Lauren shared Icing Smiles’ mission and encouraged Tori to request a Dream Cake.

Since then, Icing Smiles has celebrated four birthdays with the Swartz Family.

• Sibling Birthdays – This summer, her older children turned 6 and 4 one day apart. Each received their own show-stopping cake — one an icy blue Elsa ice palace, the other a bright yellow construction zone. “The kids felt spoiled, and everyone who sees them is amazed by the cakes,” says Tori.
• First Cake – While Clara was still in the hospital, her older siblings, ages 5 and 3, were treated to a Paw Patrol cake and cupcake display. “During a season where our big kids had to be really flexible and resilient, it was sweet to be able to give them something so fun and extravagant, and to be able to share it with others in the hospital,” Tori says.
• Clara’s First Birthday – A milestone no one knew would come. Baker Pete created a towering rainbow masterpiece with a removable smash cake just for Clara. “Rainbows have been a theme with Clara, reminding us of the rainbow that’s come after the storms we’ve weathered,” Tori shares. Pete cleared his schedule to personally deliver the cake, telling Tori, “Even if it doesn’t [work], it does. We will make it work.”

The Sweet Surprise of Cookie Care Package #10,000

After spending seven long months in Florida for Clara’s treatment, the Swartzes returned home to Georgia. Not long after, a package arrived — no announcement, no expectation — just pure surprise.

Inside was an Octonauts-themed cookie puzzle set, made by Sugar Angel Martha Timke.

A Baker with a Heart for Families

For Martha, baking for Icing Smiles is deeply personal. Her first son was born with a blood disorder that required blood transfusions every 2–3 months until he was two years old. Though he is now a healthy 37-year-old, Martha has never forgotten the exhaustion, fear, and stress of those years.

While she loves creating elaborate Dream Cakes, the Cookie Care Packages hold a special joy for her. “Anonymously sending out cookie orders is especially fun for me. I imagine what it might be like for the family when they receive their surprise… That’s why I often make cookie puzzles for the younger ones — it’s two treats in one.”

Learning that her Octonauts cookies were the 10,000th package made the moment even sweeter:

“Once I drop the box off at the post office, I never know what’s happened to it. How rewarding it is to know that my cookies reached their destination and that my family got to enjoy them!”

Her message to bakers considering joining Icing Smiles?

Powered by Partnership

Our Cookie Program wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsor, Domino Sugar, whose generosity fuels thousands of these packages each year. Paula Summers, VP of Marketing, Domino Sugar shares:

More Than Cookies

For the Swartz family, every cake and cookie has been a bright spot during long, difficult seasons — a moment to feel seen, celebrated, and loved.

Here’s to the next 10,000 Cookie Care Packages — and to every smile, milestone, and memory they represent.

When passion meets purpose, amazing things happen.

When passion meets purpose, amazing things happen. That’s exactly what unfolded when Rosanne Rush—former bakery owner, Icing Smiles supporter, and Raymour & Flanigan Home Furnishing Consultant—introduced us to the Raymour & Flanigan team. After connecting with Icing Smiles at the Atlantic City Bakery Expo, Rosanne saw an opportunity to bring our mission to life in a new way. She shared: 

 And she was right. 

From One Store to Three—And Growing! 

What began as a single event in Farmingdale, NY has blossomed into a multi-location partnership, now including stores in Garden City and Valley Stream. Each event has been unique—from simple tables with cookies and literature, to elaborate cake displays, local bakery tastings, and even a scavenger hunt that turned shopping into a mission moment. 

At the heart of each event is Jean Schapowal, one of our most dedicated Local Outreach Ambassadors. Jean, who’s been a Sugar Angel for nearly a decade, is now helping lead this partnership on the ground: 

What’s made these events truly special is Raymour’s deep-rooted commitment to community. As Kenneth Doyle, Showroom Manager at Farmingdale, explained: 

Sweet Treats, Sweeter Support 

Thanks to generous partners, these events are also a delicious experience. Sweet Karma Desserts has contributed beautifully crafted desserts for sampling. And for our most recent event, The Icing Smiles Cookie Club stepped up in a major way.  Volunteer bakers from around the country donated 500 cookies for our two-day event. It’s partnerships like these that help us share joy with every guest who visits the Icing Smiles table. 

Looking ahead, we’re dreaming even bigger. Jean shares: 

A Model for Local Outreach 

This collaboration is a shining example of what our Local Outreach Ambassadors can create when they pair passion with community partnerships. Whether it’s handing out cookies, displaying dream cakes, or simply answering questions about what we do, every interaction has the power to inspire a new supporter or connect a family to our mission. 

And for Raymour & Flanigan, the partnership has become more than just community outreach—it’s a heartfelt commitment to the families and causes they care about. 
As Rosanne puts it: 

We’re grateful to Raymour & Flanigan for opening their doors and their hearts. Together, we’re not just furnishing homes—we’re building hope, one smile at a time. 

The Impact of Icing Smiles Local Outreach Ambassadors

At Icing Smiles, we believe that every family deserves a reason to smile—even in the midst of life’s toughest challenges. Our mission? To bring joy and a sprinkle of sweetness to families affected by critical illness through custom cakes and treats. But, as much as we love baking up smiles, we can’t do it alone! To truly make a difference, we need to spread the word, and that’s where our amazing Local Outreach initiative comes in.

Introducing the Local Outreach Ambassador (LOA) – the driving soul of our mission. This is the person who is out there getting the word out through building relationships, and making sure families in need know that Icing Smiles is here to bring some sweetness into their lives. Think of it as a fun, passion-driven role that’s all about spreading joy and, of course, smiles.

What is a Local Outreach Ambassador (LOA)?

So, what does it mean to be an LOA? It’s pretty simple—you’re the community cheerleader for Icing Smiles! As a Local Outreach Ambassador, your role is to spread general awareness to everyone in your local community to help make Icing Smiles a household name. LOAs are our “mission spreaders” getting people excited about what we do! Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Spread the word: Tell everyone you know about Icing Smiles! From casual chats to social media posts, you’re the go-to person for all things Icing Smiles.
• Host and attend events: Whether you’re setting up a booth at a local fair or hosting a fun awareness event, you’re helping to bring Icing Smiles to the community.
• Build local partnerships: Get in touch with local businesses, bakeries, and organizations to let them know how they can help families through Icing Smiles.
• Encourage others to join as Sugar Angels: The more bakers we have, the more cakes we can deliver!

It’s all about sharing the love—and spreading those sweet vibes throughout your community.

The Power of FRIEND-raising

Here’s the thing: being an LOA isn’t about asking for donations or running big fundraisers (although those are important, too!). It’s about FRIEND-raising. It’s about getting the word out so that more families in need can benefit from the joy of receiving a dream cake. The more people who know about Icing Smiles, the more we can bring smiles to the faces of families facing critical illness.

When you talk to someone about Icing Smiles, you’re not just promoting a cause—you’re sharing a mission of joy. You might not even realize it, but that conversation could lead to a volunteer who bakes a cake for a family or a connection that helps us reach someone who really needs that little bit of extra sweetness.

What Does It Take to Be an LOA?

Being an LOA is a fun, fulfilling, and flexible way to make a real impact in your community. And guess what? It doesn’t take a ton of time! Icing Smiles provides a monthly campaign initiative idea with tools and support to make it happen. All we ask that our LOAs commit to completing at least four campaigns per year. This could include:

• Handing out treats (cookies, cupcakes, or even pre-packaged candy!) with Icing Smiles info at local events.
• Hosting a booth at a craft fair or community event to talk to people about our mission.
• Partnering with local businesses to help us get the word out.
• Organizing a fun awareness event (who doesn’t love a sweet treat for a good cause?).
• Posting about Icing Smiles on social media to spread the word and engage your followers.

The best part? You can get as creative as you want! If you’re into baking, baking for a cause is just icing on the cake (pun intended). If you’re a social butterfly, spreading the word at events is a great fit. If you’re a social media whiz, use your platforms to tell the world about Icing Smiles. It’s all about finding what works for you and making it happen!

LOA Spotlights: Experiences from Our Volunteers

Now let’s hear from some of our awesome LOAs who are spreading the Icing Smiles joy in their communities! These incredible individuals show us that being an LOA is a passion-driven, fun-filled role that makes a huge difference.

Samantha Pelletier is a busy working mom of four and a proud LOA for Icing Smiles. She first learned about the organization when her child was diagnosed with Rasmussen’s Encephalitis, a rare neurological disorder. “During such an overwhelming time, Icing Smiles became a beacon of happiness for our family,” Samantha shared. “We received an Icing Smiles cake for our oldest daughter’s 10th birthday, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.”

That memorable experience inspired Samantha to give back to the organization. “I reached out to volunteer because I wanted to help other families who were going through similar struggles. Now, as an LOA, I have the privilege of working behind the scenes to help spread the word to families in need.”

Samantha is just one example of how being an LOA is not only about raising awareness but creating personal connections with families.

Samantha encourages others to volunteer with Icing Smiles: “If you’re looking for a way to bring joy to families in need, consider volunteering with Icing Smiles. Whether you’re a baker, a coordinator, or simply an advocate, every role helps create sweet moments that mean the world to families like mine.”

Lynn Ann Slack loves being a LOA and she’s making waves in her community.

Lynn’s advice? “If you’re considering becoming an LOA, just jump in and do it! It’s easy to find ways to fit into your schedule. And trust me, the small things add up to big results!”

Katie Hardy found her inspiration at a local Halloween carnival and is now a passionate advocate for Icing Smiles. “I love spreading the word naturally, through social media and word-of-mouth. I’ll post a picture of the cake or cookies I made, and people will ask questions, which is a perfect chance to talk about Icing Smiles.”

Katie encourages new LOAs with this:

Deserae Orton has been with Icing Smiles for almost nine years and absolutely loves delivering cakes to families. “It’s so rewarding to know that when I’m baking, I’m sending strength and love to a family going through a hard time,” she says.

Deserae’s favorite way to promote Icing Smiles?

Deserae’s advice? “If you like projects, meeting people, and sharing a good cause, then do it! You don’t have to do everything all at once. The team at Icing Smiles is always there to support you!”

Join the Movement!

Feeling inspired? Ready to help spread smiles and sweetness in your community? We’d love to have you on board as a Local Outreach Ambassador! It’s an exciting, fun, and meaningful way to make a real difference. Plus, you’ll be part of a passionate community of volunteers who are all about spreading joy!

Sign up today to become an LOA and start making an impact in your community. Whether you’re handing out cookies, hosting an event, or sharing on social media, every little bit helps to bring more smiles to families in need.

For more information or to get started, click here to sign up. Join the movement and let’s spread the love—one cake at a time!

Honoring Strength, Joy, and the Art of Baking

At Icing Smiles, we believe that cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a centerpiece of celebration, a symbol of love, and a way to bring joy to families facing unimaginable challenges. Our Sugar Angels pour their hearts into every creation, ensuring that each cake tells a story, honors a journey, and leaves a lasting memory.

Zoey’s Journey: A Story of Strength

Recently, we had the privilege of celebrating a major milestone for an incredible little warrior, Zoey. Her journey has been one of immense courage, strength, and resilience. Diagnosed with cancer just four days after her fourth birthday, Zoey spent the next 797 days undergoing treatments. Her battle included multiple hospital stays, ER visits, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and spinal cord treatments. Her family endured countless trips to Minneapolis for care, all while holding onto hope for the day when Zoey could finally say goodbye to chemo.

That day came on February 2, 2025.

A Cake Fit for a Warrior

To mark this incredible milestone, Icing Smiles Sugar Angel Melanie created a dream cake that captured the pure joy of the occasion. The celebration cake, adorned with unicorns, rainbows, and shooting stars, reflected the happiness and triumph of Zoey’s journey. Each element was intentional—every unicorn had a role, every detail was a testament to Zoey’s strength.

Crafting the Perfect Cake

Despite being a working mom of four, Melanie meticulously planned each step, ensuring that the cake was perfect for Zoey’s big day. This cake was her first-ever three-tier creation, requiring both creativity and logistical strategy—including an hour-long drive through four inches of fresh snow!

Through it all, Zoey was at the heart of Melanie’s work.

The Impact of a Sweet Celebration

When the cake arrived, it became the centerpiece of Zoey’s “No More Chemo” party. Her mom, Kimberly, shared,

Why We Bake a Difference

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Every cake, every smile, every heartfelt ‘thank you’ fuels our mission. We are beyond grateful for our Sugar Angels, like Melanie, who dedicate their time, talent, and passion to spreading joy. And we are endlessly inspired by our families, like Zoey’s, who show us the true meaning of resilience and hope.

To our bakers, thank you for sharing your gifts. To our families, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. Together, we continue to bake a difference—one cake, one celebration, and one smile at a time.