A national non-profit is creating a lot of smiles with the help of caring local bakeries all over the country. The organization, Icing Smiles, provides beautiful custom cakes and other treats for critically ill children and their families. It is through the generosity and time of these bakers (known as Sugar Angels by Icing Smiles) that close to 10,000 cakes have been delivered to sick children around the country, providing happy memories and a bit of normalcy in a time of great stress.
Local Baker, Mercedes Strachwsky, owner of Bake Me a Cake, is a Sugar Angel with Icing Smiles and one of over 8,500 around the country who donate their time and talents to create these amazing cakes. Based in Altamonte Springs, FL, Mercedes was named by Dessert Professional as one the Top 10 Cake Artists of North America. She is also a Satin Ice Artist of Excellence and has received many other industry awards including 2009 National Wedding Cake Grand Prize Winner. Mercedes is the author of the best selling book, Satin Ice Sugar Craft.
“We are thrilled that Mercedes will be creating cake 10,000 for Icing Smiles,” says Icing Smiles Founder and Executive Director, Tracy Quisenberry. “Her master cake artist status coupled with her love for our mission just makes this milestone even more special for us.”
Mercedes will deliver the Icing Smiles cake on January 30th, a custom-made Frozen themed cake, to two year old Everleigh in Lakeland. Everleigh has battled Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma, one of the rarest forms of cancer in children since October 2014. Everleigh’s family received the diagnosis after her mom knew something wasn’t right with her little girl. A large mass was found attached to her liver. Through surgery, doctors removed the mass as well as a portion of Everleigh’s liver and gallbladder. The cancer was completely removed, however doctors felt chemotherapy was the only option to ensure her health. After months of chemo treatment, Everleigh will celebrate her 2nd birthday cancer free!
Mercedes says she understands the importance of creating beautiful memories for children like Everleigh suffering from terrible disease and their families. “I love Icing Smiles because it gives kids the opportunity to have happiness during the most difficult situations. Every child deserves to be happy on their birthday, and this provides them a chance to smile big!”
Icing Smiles delivers custom cakes and treats to families impacted by the critical illness of a child, matching critically ill children and their siblings with volunteer bakers in all 50 states who donate amazing cakes for the families. The nonprofit was founded in 2010 by Quisenberry, a mom who firmly believes that everyone should use their talents to serve others and who wanted to give back in a three-dimensional, fondant-covered way. “We understand that the simple things, like a birthday cake, are luxuries to a family battling illness,” said Quisenberry. “What we provide is so much more than cake. It’s not just about delivering a celebration cake. It’s about delivering a sense of hope and helping to create a normal childhood experience stolen from so many of these children.”
