The Genis family of Frankfort gave back to children and teens fighting cancer by sponsoring its Fourth Annual Jack’s Cupcake/Lemonade Stand event on May 19 and raising more than $3,500 for the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF).

Since its inception just three years ago, the Jack’s Cupcake/Lemonade Stand has become a much-anticipated community event. In addition to providing thirst-quenching lemonade and a variety of delicious cupcakes with such exotic flavors as key lime, red velvet and chocolate marble, the popular event has now raised more than $9,000 for the Treasure Chest Foundation in the past four years.

Shelly Genis, Chairwoman for the annual event, said, “The Treasure Chest Foundation helped my son Jack through all of his blood tests, doctor appointments and during his hospital stay. We can’t help but want to give back to the Foundation so that they can continue to do what they do best. In 2008 we first learned of their powerful ability to bring smiles of joy to the faces of children battling cancer by providing toys and gift certificates. The healing power that comes from a toy is amazing, and we want to give back to this awesome foundation that helps children get through tough procedures.”

“The POTCF is especially grateful to the Genis family for their enormous donation of more than $3,500,” said a grateful Colleen Kisel, Founder and CEO of the Treasure Chest Foundation. “They give of their time and baking talents to help support children and teens fighting cancer. It’s amazing to see what one family can do.”

The POTCF is a non-profit organization that provides comfort and distraction from painful procedures to children and teens diagnosed with cancer by providing a toy, gift or gift certificate in 42 hospitals nationwide. Nowhere else in the nation does such a program exist. CEO Colleen Kisel founded the organization in 1996 after her then seven-year-old son Martin had been diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. Colleen discovered that giving her son a toy after each procedure provided a calming distraction from his pain, noting that when children are diagnosed with cancer their world soon becomes filled with doctors, nurses, chemotherapy drugs, surgeries and seemingly endless painful procedures. Martin recently celebrated his 19th anniversary of remission from the disease.

If you would like further information about the Treasure Chest Foundation, please contact Colleen Kisel at 708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s web site at www.treasurechest.org.