Kids Korps: Treats for Tanner a sweet success

By Debbie Broadbooks, Cardiff District Kids Korps Chapter Co-leader

Our Cardiff School District Kids Korps chapter started off the year with something new, a fundraiser. But not just any fundraiser, this was a bake-sale fundraiser, “Treats for Tanner,”to help support Cardiff second grader Tanner Rico, who has Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, a devastating, progressive muscle-wasting disorder that slowly robs those affected of their independence and eventually their lives.

Our Kids Korps chapter, in its fourth year, has not done any fundraisers, but knew that Tanner and his family were in need of community support to help them with medical expenses not covered by insurance. And community support is what they got! Local businesses VG Donuts and Starbucks in Cardiff happily provided donuts and coffee for the event.

Cardiff Kids Korps members organized the bake sale, supplied home-made baked goods and beverages, and sold the treats to Cardiff Soccer League families at the event, which was held on Sept. 29, at the Cardiff soccer fields (Berkich fields). In fact, many members worked their shift before or after their kids’ soccer games! The Cardiff community was so supportive. When they heard that our bake sale was for Tanner, they were so generous and even thanked us for doing this for Tanner!

Our “Treats for Tanner” event was a huge success, raising $800. Plus, a generous business offered to match our earnings, bringing the total to $1,600 to help Tanner and his family. Despite having another child at home with a stomach bug, Tanner’s mom, Traci Rico, made an appearance, telling us, “I cannot even begin to express just how grateful we are to you, and all the Kids Korps families.” She continued to tell us about all the support she feels from the Cardiff community.

It really does take a village to raise a child. Our Cardiff kids expressed how lucky they felt to be a part of this community saying, “We need to do this again for Tanner.”

We certainly feel fortunate to be part of this amazing community. Thank you to our local businesses, Cardiff soccer league, and all our extended Cardiff community. To learn more about Tanner, go to his website, www.weelittle manrico.com.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

WHAT: Falcon Ridge Equine Rescue

WHEN: Sat, Oct. 13

WHERE: Valley Center

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WHEN: Sun. Oct. 14

WHERE: Mission Bay

WHAT: E-Waste Event

WHEN: Sat. Oct. 20

WHERE: San Diego