Friday, March 29, 2024

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“On May 18, 2011 Cupcakes for Courage launched their converted, and Chicago Health Department approved, DHL truck and began to sell their cupcakes curbside. Their Cupcakes for Courage truck is painted green and has been labeled the “Green Machine”. The color and decals painted on the truck have made it very recognizable within Chicagoland.   The “Green Machine” has definitely helped to promote Cupcakes for Courage."    

Kathryn and Laura

 

 

Laura and Her Mom

 

 

 

Find Out More About
Cupcakes For Courage
and To Order Cupcakes! 
 
Cupcakes for Courage
110 W. Park Avenue
Elmhust, Illinois  60148
 
Telephone: 773-236-7201
 
      E-mail:  info@cupcakesforcourage.com
 
 

  

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Profiles of Excellence

 

 Cupcakes for Courage
 
 

Cupcakes for Courage

   
 
It is 4:00 a.m. in Elmhurst, Illinois and Laura Pekarik and her sister Kathryn are already at their office preparing for their busy work day. Only, this is not any ordinary office. Laura and Kathryn are at their “office bakery” making cupcakes! Their story is one of love, courage, service and the pursuit of excellence. This is Laura and Kathryn’s story about Cupcakes for Courage and providing courage and hope to individuals diagnosed with cancer as well as to their families. 
 
Cupcakes for Courage was founded out of love and a very real need.   In May of 2010, Kathryn was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins T-cell Lymphoma. Later that year, a benefit was held in her honor to help defray the costs of her medical care. As a contribution to the event, Laura baked 250 cupcakes for a bake sale at the event. Laura created and baked four unique and delicious flavors of cupcakes. The cupcakes were such a success that her friends and family started requesting the cupcakes by the dozen! 
 
As a result of the overwhelming success of Laura’s cupcake sale, Cupcakes for Courage was born. The initial mission of Cupcakes for Courage was to provide Chicagoland (note: Chicagoland is a term used to describe metropolitan Chicago) with delectable little cakes while raising money to help pay for Kathryn’s medical bills. Since then, Laura and Kathryn expanded the mission of Cupcakes for Courage to provide support for cancer research and non-profit organizations devoted to providing assistance to cancer patients and their families.   Through Cupcakes for Courage, Laura and Kathryn first donated proceeds from the sale of their cupcakes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
 
While Kathryn was the inspiration for Cupcakes for Courage, her current contributions are limited because of her on-going medical care, and the need to work full-time so that she could have good health insurance.   To help with the early morning baking and the selling of the cupcakes, Laura hired an assistant, Katy. Because of Katy’s energetic and bright personality, Laura and Katy have continued to spread Cupcakes for Courage’s message while bringing their tasteful delights to the people of Chicagoland.
 
In 2011, Kathryn was selected as one of four Ride Janie Ride Foundation  recipients. The Ride Janie Ride Foundation   is a 100% volunteer organization whose mission is: To provide direct financial assistance to Chicagoland area individuals facing financial hardship resultant from ongoing medical treatment of various types of cancer. Kathryn was so touched by the financial assistance provided by the Foundation that she wanted to help them in their cause and to “pay good fortunes forward” as have all nine of the Foundation’s recipients since 2007. As a result, Cupcakes for Courage began donating proceeds from the sale of cupcakes to the Ride Janie Ride Foundation  as well as to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
 
On May 18, 2011 Cupcakes for Courage launched their converted, and Chicago Health Department approved, DHL truck and began to sell their cupcakes curbside. Their Cupcakes for Courage truck is painted green and has been labeled the “Green Machine”. The color and decals painted on the truck have made it very recognizable within Chicagoland.   The “Green Machine” has definitely helped to promote Cupcakes for Courage.
 
So, what about those cupcakes? First, both Laura and Kathryn recognize the importance of baking with care. Care for the environment and for the ingredients included in the cupcakes. When baking their cupcakes, Laura and Kathryn use natural ingredients – from unbleached flour and baking cups to natural vegetable based food coloring. In addition, they package their orders in natural brown eco-friendly boxes, and secure them with a 100% recycled content seal. As a green business they promote the importance of preserving the environment whether it is Lake Michigan or the rainforests of Central and South America.
 
Once you have eaten one of their cupcakes you will be hooked! Both Laura and Kathryn have a passion for food and baking. Currently, their cupcakes come in 38 flavors from Banana Cream Pie to Elvis to The Triple ‘B’ to White Chocolate Raspberry. They are always looking to add additional flavors. Just imagine what delightful flavors they will come up with this holiday season!
 
As of this writing, because of Kathryn’s treatment regimen, positive outlook, and courage, her non-Hodgkins T-cell Lymphoma is in remission and she will be undergoing maintenance treatment for the next two years. 
 
Through Laura’s and Kathryn’s efforts, Cupcakes for Courage has made a difference in supporting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and The Ride Janie Ride Foundation. As they drive around Chicagoland in their green truck they bring greater awareness for the need to support cancer research and to provide assistance to cancer patients and their families. The story of Cupcakes for Courage is one of passion and the desire to make a difference. Laura and Kathryn are truly making a difference, one cupcake at a time!
 
 
 
 

 

 

  
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