The Carolina's are ever so lovely and how I miss Wilmington, NC on a daily basis. One could say the CC Mission started in Wilmington at a party with a smattering of Coastal Cupcakes...or one could say that there are so many roots to Cupcake Mission it's hard to say exactly where it officially originated. Nevertheless, the Carolina's are always on my mind and I have Cupcake Mission updates:

Hickory NC--CC Mission postponed due to family illness. I am wishing my aunt a speedy recovery and a healthy upcoming surgery. After a full recovery that we are all counting on, we must celebrate with a round (or a dozen) of cupcakes!

Greenville, SC--A mini CC Mission with some impact. Small is good and very enjoyable. And the Greenville Humane Society has $50.00 more today than it did yesterday so hopefully the animals will benefit somewhat from our small but full-hearted efforts. I suppose I am an optimist or a minimalist or both: but I believe a little goes a long way!!!!

Never underestimate the power of a cupcake!
Meg

Cupcake Mission takes Manhattan!!!! This is my nod to the Muppets Take Manhattan. Miss Piggy is my all time favorite rockin' chick. And to the girl who called me "Miss Piggy" when we walked home from school everyday in the fifth grade(so I was not a svelte little girl), I say thank you. Miss Piggy kicks *!@
The details are still baking but here are some of the ingredients: 9 a.m. Tuesday June 23rd--meeting at The Cupcake Cafe at 18 W. 18th st. Here we will fuel up on eggs (protein) and round one of cupcakes. The cost is $10.00 per person, plus cost of food, travel, and incidentals (we will hit Canal Street) 100% of the admission fee goes to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research. Completely inspired by his words to do the next right thing, I pay tribute to his bravery and my grandfather's courage in the battle with and against Parkinson's. My grandfather, Opa, was quick-witted, humorous and adventurous. A month before his passing, he fell from his hospital bed and when my father discovered him, Opa said that he was sight-seeing. I dedicate the adventure of the NYC streets to Opa's memory and the hope of finding a cure.
Other bake shops scheduled are Sugar Sweet Sunshine and Buttercup...bring running shoes and a sense of humor because we may very well throw the frisbee in Central Park. My original idea of running sprints along the Hudson has been postponed because my lovely Chickpea is accompanying the tour with baby stroller, gear and all.
Long live the Miss Piggy's in our world who are sassy, fun loving and open to loving unconditionally and wholeheartedly!!!!!!

The cupcake mission is going international and I am so excited!!!!! Tanya Dorfler and Carolin Paulus will host a CC Mission in Germany to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. I tear up when I think about this particular mission. All the causes that have benefitted and that continue to benefit from the CC Missions are all so deserving. I have a special place in my heart for children battling terminal illnesses and their families that endure pains and fears that I cannot even imagine. Everyday the nurses and volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House try to make an oasis of sorts so that the families and children can escape reality momentarily between medical tests and results. I am so grateful for all their efforts and their dedication to the children and their families. I am also extremely grateful to Tanya and Carolin for all their efforts and enthusiasm. They radiate inner and outer beauty and pure joy for life and share their passion for helping others with such elegance.
From this side of the Atlantic I dedicate this mission to the loving memory of Jalisa, a spirited young girl who left us too early. She taught me how to dance to "Sorry Miss Jackson" and "The Thong Song" from a hospital bed with an IV attached. At the strangest of times Sorry Miss Jackson will come on the radio and I feel the sense of an angel. Jalisa taught me not to take any day for granted, to notice the small things, even when someone changes lipstick colors. She was wise and strong beyond her years and I am forever grateful for the time we had together. I am forever sorry that I wear my emotions better than any fashion trend of the week, and I am so sorry that she could sense my weak heart moreso than she ever let on in person. I use to take her happy meals from McDonald's, the fries were our favorite. But she called me one day and told me that she was tired and going to sleep so I said I would bring a happy meal tomorrow. "OK Miss Meg" were her last words and we never had the last goodbye.
So to Jalisa, Tanya, Carolin and all the wonderful people who show up at the CC Mission to benefit the RM House, I raise an extra big frosted cupcake to you--may you always remember to dance and notice the times when your friends change their lipsticks.

I am so excited about all the upcoming individual cupcake missions! I will have to break in new running shoes and find exciting parks to run sprints in each city to counter all calorie consumption. But cupcakes for charity means enjoying sans guilt. So I may skip the sprints and find new muscles in my fingers pulling back all the paper linings of the yummy confectionary treats! One and bite, two and bite, three and bite!!!!
Soon I will be busting out the calculator and totaling how much money is raised for causes, people, or animals in need through Cupcake Missions. This is just an idea I had, something fun, social, pro-active and easy. I am so not an Alpha mom who goes to the end of the earth to decorate for my two year old's party. I put out old holiday plates and mis-matched cups and call it a happy birthday.
It's great when individuals, businesses, and organized groups all rally for cupcakes and causes. I think we can all make a difference and have a lot of fun doing it.
And that's what this is: fun, not work. This is not my job. This is my passion. I hope others are inspired to make a difference in their community or contribute on a national/global level, cupcakes or no cupcakes.
But cupcakes are much more fun!