Christmas Pastry Fundraiser for Pediatric Cancer Patients – Dec. 11
Event: Christmas Pastry Fundraiser for Pediatric Cancer Patients
Where: 1119 McKenzie Ave, New England, ND (Tel: 701-579-4119)
Beneficiaries: Grace Bittner (Dickinson); Mia Thinnes (Bismarck)
When: Saturday, December 11th
Time: Come as you please! Open House 6-9 p.m.
As you pass by the former home of Grandma Maixner in New England, North Dakota, you sense something special. Well, maybe it might be confined to those who have a history with that little slice of God’s greater plan. For if Grandma Maixner was anything, she was God’s skin here on earth.
For some they might be taken by the petrified wood boundary that she lovingly built with her own hands. Some passersby might note the flower garden or grotto in the front yard or the large garden if they passed through the alley way. Some might even sense her spirit living on as you enter the old home – getting a sense of just where you would find Grandma rocking in her chair by the furnace grate in the center of her home. For certain, her spirit is still felt there by her extended family. Her loving touch still resides throughout. The home has been the source of countless memories for five generations. For the last couple decades, it has been the home of Walt and Lu Jacobs, as Luella is the youngest of Grandma Maixner’s nine children. Prior to that Joel & Donnie Maixner and their family made it their loving home. Some might remember the festive occupation by “Aunt Muggie” and the many memories associated with her great laugh and smile. And those who date back further would find the home bustling with the Wandler children Grandma ‘rescued’ from a life in an orphanage after their mother died.
But those without any of those memories who are passing by this coming Saturday, December 11th will certainly find something special as the only sense they will require is their sense of smell. In honor of all that Grandma Maixner did for her community, her family and friends are gathering once again in Grandma’s Kitchen to bake pastries and goodies at Christmas time. But while they are being made with the same loving care, the treats will be given away to those who donate to a fund to help two children in Western North Dakota (Grace Bittner , Dickinson; Mia Thinnes, Bismarck.)
The Jacobs family is inviting the public to come to 1119 McKenzie Ave, New England, ND for an open house to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. The event is being sponsored by Bravehearts for Kids and they hope it will become an annual event during the holidays. Grandma Maixner’s great grandson, Jeremy Jacobs, started the Bravehearts for Kids charity after their daughter was stricken by brain cancer at the age of 1. It is a delight to report that little Ava is today a walking miracle. She is not only alive… but a thriving little four-year-old pre-schooler and soccer player. She was recently named as a cancer poster child in the Houston area. Ava’s family started the charity to benefit children in the same way North Dakotans helped Ava when she was fighting cancer three years ago.
The family will take a break from making pastries for awhile at the open house to perform some Christmas and Folk Music for their guests. Expect lots of goodies, hot apple cider, and homemade egg nog. Grandma Maixner loved those times when her grandchildren filled her home with music. And their music has been present at the American Cancer Society’s Relays for Life events in past Summers.
Anyone familiar with Lu Jacobs’ pastries will certainly want to come by for the chance to taste them. Family members from around the country will be receiving packages of their beloved Buchta, a Bohemian confection coming straight from their heritage. There will be Tea Rings the shape of Christmas trees and other holiday treats, as well.
We are hopeful the community will find a place in their hearts for these two children and remember that Grandma Maixner would have done something like this on their behalf if she were still among us today. Those who knew her also know that she died from cancer over 40 years ago. While she is still missed, her love lives on and she is an inspiration that is a foundation in the Bravehearts for Kids organization. If it is your holiday wish to help others, please consider a donation to the Bravehearts for Kids charity. In the Grandma Maixner tradition, this will not only make these children’s holiday brighter but it will bring a package of these delectable treats to your doorstep, as a gift to you for your generosity. Bravehearts is a true charity – 100% volunteer based and ALL proceeds beyond costs will be given to victims of cancer.
Note: After this was written, it was learned that Grace was rushed to Mayo Clinic for emergency surgery. The world keeps Grace in their hearts and in their prayers.
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