“I can think of nothing more powerful than the sight of children advocating on behalf of other children.”

-Lois Capps to Congress on 6/11/08 with regard to Kidz for a Cure

On Saturday, May 2nd, children of all ages from the Santa Barbara area came together to support local pediatric cancer patients by hosting the Second Annual Kidz for a Cure toy sale and celebration. More than $3,000 was raised with all proceeds benefitting the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara’s pediatric research fund.

Kidz for a Cure was spearheaded by now nine-year old business-owner, Madison Lewandowski. Madison wanted to find a way to help find a cure for pediatric cancer, while showing other children the magic of philanthropy. A fourth grader, who donates a portion of her business profits to Kidz for a Cure, has raised money for victims of Hurricane Katrina and has helped raise funds for Girl Inc. She says, "I love helping out. I think cancer is an important thing to try to fix. Kids sometimes don't think that they can help big things like cancer, but I want to show them, and the adults, that we really can."

This year is special, because the event took place a week before Global Youth Service Day. Another young lady with similar goals, 14-year old Blake Colvin, the founder of Cupcakes for Cancer, teamed up with Madison this year to help spread the word about youth service and raising funds for cancer research.

Cookie the Clown was on hand as well as Larry Crandell, Mr. Santa Barbara, who signed copies of his book and donated the proceeds to Kidz for a Cure. Music was provided courtesy of the NEWCATS with a bar-b-que hosted by the Kiwanis Club, face-painting, origami crane folding, a raffle, silent auction, and more.

Check back for information regarding the date for the 2010 event, or email events@ccsb.org to register, or visit http://kidzforacure.org/ for more information.