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Fighting Blindness One Cookie at a Time

By: Alana Subleski

GLENCOE, IL- 10 year old Natalie Ringel raised over 3,000 dollars by selling sand art cookie jars in just one month. All profits raised went directly to the Foundation Fighting Blindness for research funding. Ringel’s brother, Stevie, is a freshman at Vanderbilt University with Retinitis Pigmentosa.

The thought of selling sand art cookie jars came about when discussing fundraising ideas with her mother. “I love to bake, but bake goods don't last very long,” said Ringel. By putting the ingredients in a jar, buyers could bake the cookies on their own time.

A total of 240 jars were made and sold during the month to friends, family, and the Glencoe community. Ringel was also able to sell the jars at a local eye glass store, Marcus Opticians, for one day.  Each jar was companied by the name Eye Bake and tagline- “Fighting Blindness One Cookie at a Time!”

“I was amazed at how many people came to support me,” Said Ringel. “I learned that if we help each other anything is possible.”



Letter received by Natalie Ringel at FFB:

Dear FFB,

Hi, My name is Natalie Ringel and I am donating money to this cause. To raise this money, I sold sand art cookie jars and raised over $2,700. I am doing this because my brother has started to lose his vision. I wanted to do something to help. I’m hopeful that FFB will help find research for R.P., and a cure!

Fondly,

Natalie Ringel (10 years old)