Bake sale held to benefit the Canton Food Pantry

Dear Editor:

On Sunday, May 1, inspired by 5-year-old Mylee Lebowitz, many Canton citizens gathered at 557 Pleasant Street, a location that many natives know for something sweet. A bake sale was held on the front lawn of Cheryl Isaksen’s home to benefit the Canton Food Pantry. I personally made the trip from my school in Rhode Island to support my Aunt Cheryl, her family, and her “kids” in their fun-filled day of selling baked goods to benefit the Canton Food Pantry.

As soon as Mylee’s mother, Jen Lebowitz, began preparations for the event with the help of Erin DiBiasio, more and more enthusiastic parents hopped on board to help. The scene was truly amazing. The big white tent, which has infamously served as a landmark on Pleasant Street during all sorts of gatherings, was packed with supporters of all likes.

Nearly 20 families took the event on their shoulders and volunteered their time to bake, package, and sell all sorts of sweets, treats and candies. Even my own mother, who stands by her claim that she cannot bake, whipped up an awesome batch of chocolate-covered Rice Krispy treats, while my father and Uncle Einar of course fired up the grill for lunch.

Children of all ages, adorned with decorated aprons, spent the day selling the treats, playing in the jumpy house, and running around the yard with smiles on their faces, all for a good cause. There is simply nothing more beautiful than this.

Something that I truly believe in is helping others, especially those who are in need. I can thank my aunt Cheryl Isaksen a great deal for instilling me with this mindset and helping me discover my career path in social entrepreneurship. Cheryl is unquestionably one of those special people who is continually prioritizing the needs of others over her own. For the past 30 years, Cheryl has blessed the children who attend her daycare daily with lessons on why giving back is so important; Sunday was a prime example of this.

For one 5 year old to think up such an idea that would touch the hearts of so many people is amazing and inspiring. However, I would come to expect this from anyone, of any age, who is lucky enough to be around Cheryl on a daily basis. Her friends and other young children in attendance, as well as the adults, were able to see why giving up a few hours of your day to participate in such events is so important – and especially in the eyes of a 5 year old – fun! I know both young and old were inspired by little Mylee and all others who helped make this event possible. This is the most important lesson of all.

When all the sweets were gone and the day was wrapped up, the children and families raised over $900. I have done a fair share of fundraising, and by my measures this is an amazing amount to be raised by children in just a few short hours. I would like to finally congratulate Mylee, Cheryl, her “kids” and all of the families that participated in the event. I am so proud that I can call myself an “alumna” of Cheryl’s Kids. It is amazing what one child can inspire, and how it can develop into a tradition as I can fully predict that this will not be the last bake sale at 557 Pleasant Street.

Casey Butler

Bryant University ’12

St. Jude’s Up Til Dawn, Director of Sponsorship and Fundraising

Delta Zeta Sorority, Philanthropy Chair

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