A California restaurant has raised a record-breaking $75,000 for children battling cancer by selling more than 60,000 cookies during a month-long fundraising campaign. Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery collected the money through its annual Cookies for Cancer initiative, which supports patients receiving care at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in California. The restaurant raised nearly $25,000 more than it did in 2025, marking an increase of more than 48% across its 13 outlets. The hospital announced the achievement on October 26, 2026, following the presentation of a cheque to its administration and staff on October 20. The latest contribution will help revamp the hospital’s Beads of Courage programme, which recognises and celebrates the experiences of children undergoing cancer treatment.
California’s Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery raises record $75,000
The fundraiser took place throughout September, which is recognised in the US as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Customers at Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery could purchase gold ribbon-shaped cookies or regular cookies, with a portion of the proceeds going towards the hospital’s paediatric haematology and oncology services. Customers could also make direct cash donations.The campaign brought in more than $75,000, exceeding the restaurant’s target. Darin Handlen, Corky’s director of operations, said the team had aimed to raise 10% more than the previous year, but the final total surpassed expectations.According to the hospital’s announcement, the restaurant raised nearly $25,000 more than in 2025, representing year-on-year growth of more than 48%.
More than 60,000 cookies sold during September
The scale of the campaign was reflected in the work involved. Corky’s employees made and sold more than 60,000 cookies during September, using 208 pounds of gold sprinkles as part of the effort.The restaurant’s official campaign page said it donated $1.25 for every gold ribbon cookie sold and 50 cents for every other cookie sold. The fundraiser also invited customers to support the cause through direct donations.The campaign ran across the chain’s 13 outlets, the same number of stores involved in the previous year’s effort. The combination of cookie sales and additional contributions helped the restaurant reach its highest fundraising total for the initiative.
Where the $75,000 donation will go
The money will benefit patients receiving care through Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital’s paediatric haematology and oncology services. Scarlett Czarnecki, director of patient care for the hospital’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Service Line and Child Life Department, said the funds would be used to revamp the Beads of Courage programme.The programme helps hospital staff recognise and celebrate the journeys of children undergoing cancer treatment. It provides a way to acknowledge the experiences and milestones young patients encounter during their care.The hospital’s announcement identifies the programme as the planned use of this year’s funds. The donation should therefore not be described as being specifically allocated to cancer research or medical equipment.
An 11-year tradition of supporting young patients
The Cookies for Cancer initiative has been running for 11 years. With the latest contribution, Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery has donated more than $315,000 to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital through the campaign over that period.The fundraiser has grown considerably over time. In 2025, the restaurant raised more than $51,000, according to its official campaign page. This year’s total of more than $75,000 represents a substantial increase on that amount.The initiative has become a recurring way for the restaurant to involve customers and employees in supporting children receiving cancer care.
Restaurant also organises activities for children receiving treatment
Corky’s involvement extends beyond raising money. In August 2026, the restaurant organised a cookie-decorating activity for children receiving cancer treatment at the hospital for the second consecutive year.The event gave young patients an opportunity to decorate freshly baked cookies using supplies provided by the restaurant. Corky’s also runs an Art for Cancer initiative, through which children can colour pictures or create encouraging messages that are delivered to patients at the hospital.These activities complement the fundraising campaign by offering creative experiences for children and families dealing with the demands of cancer treatment.
How the Cookies for Cancer campaign works
The annual campaign combines everyday purchases with charitable giving. During September, customers can buy cookies at Corky’s outlets, with different donation amounts attached to gold ribbon cookies and other varieties. Direct contributions are also accepted.The gold ribbon is commonly associated with childhood cancer awareness, making it a fitting symbol for the fundraiser. The restaurant’s campaign also encourages children to participate through artwork and messages of support for young hospital patients.By involving customers, staff and children in different ways, the initiative has developed into a community effort that supports the hospital’s work with young patients. Its latest record donation will help the hospital continue the Beads of Courage programme for children undergoing treatment.
