​It's been two months since I last blogged and I have so many wonderful updates to share!  It has been amazing and full of new experiences.   

I participated in The Smile Network International "Be The Change Gala" on September 30th.  I donated four special cakes to the silent auction.  Later that night, I got to kick off the live auction by donating Cakes for One Year (one per month).  It was so exciting to speak in front of such a large audience (I think there were 500 people)!  I am very grateful for the opportunity and delighted to have been able to help The Smile Network International raise money for such an important cause.  My sincere thanks to Ms. Barb Stinnett and Mr. Al Favelsky for their incredible generosity and support of me and Cakes for a Cure.  Their kindness and generosity is truly inspiring.  It was an absolutely phenomenal evening that I will always remember.  And, a huge thank you to both Ms. Maureen Cahill and Ms. Kim Valentini for all of your support and the wonderful work that you do.  

I also had the opportunity to attend a Neurofibromatosis Symposium at The University of Iowa's Stead Family Children's Hospital sponsored by The Children's Tumor Foundation.  I learned more about the disease and how it affects people, the genetics of NF, and some of the advancements in research for treatment options.  I was really encouraged by the research and work being done to help people with NF.  It was incredible to hear from the researchers who are funded by The Children's Tumor Foundation.

I recently made a cake for my friend Matt Elsass.  He plays for the Eden Prairie High School Football (#91).  They won State this weekend - Go Eagles!  I'm so happy for him and his wonderful family.  Matt also makes the best root beer ever!  Congratulations on a great season, Matt!  

A special thank you to my neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Agarwala.  They gave me a gift card to Michaels to buy supplies.  I purchased some additional cake decorating tips that I love.  Thank you!

I had the opportunity to attend a Guy Fawkes Day party hosted by the Rowntree Family.  They had a gigantic bonfire, it was so much fun.  Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Rowntree for your generous donation to The Smile Network International.  Please check out my Guy Fawkes cake on the Cakes page. 

A special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill for your continued support and generosity.  Ella helped me make a minion cake for her birthday party, it turned out great.  I enjoyed teaching her how to decorate. 

And last but not least -- I can’t thank Ms. Teresa Nerge enough.  She was one of my karate teachers.  I trained with her for six years!  She is also a super talented cake decorator and came over to teach me how to make frosting roses.  It was so fun, thank you!

As great as the experience was, what was more amazing and special was the response I got from one of the listeners, Mrs. Cheryl Beilke.  She was listening to the broadcast as she drove her husband home from surgery at the Mayo Clinic. When she got home she reached out to me on my website and requested a fishing themed cake for her husband Roger. Her donation was incredibly generous, she supported all four of the charities!! It was very special to meet her, she drove over an hour (each way) to pick up the cake. She is a such a thoughtful and generous person. I will never forget the experience. Thank you so much Mrs. Beilke! We are keeping your husband Roger in our thoughts and prayers.  ​