During the week of September 20-26, Reinwald’s Bakery in Huntington is helping local families by raising money during national “Cupcakes for a Cause,” a fundraiser that raises money for CancerCare for Kids, an organization that provides free counseling, support and financial assistance for families dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

During this week, Bill Reinwald, the bakery’s owner, is pounding the pavement to get local businesses and residents to purchase these special cupcakes as the proceeds go back to the organization.

Additionally, they are making a special cupcake to sell that week to honor one Long Island family’s loss:  JoAnna Blangiardo, a first grade teacher from Rockville Centre lost her husband, Carlo, to pancreatic cancer in November 2009—he was only 35. At the time of his death, JoAnna was 6 months pregnant with her second child. Both JoAnna and her six year old daughter, Alessandra, had a difficult time coping with the loss. JoAnna sought the help of CancerCare, a free-of-charge service that helps with the emotional  stress of dealing with a cancer diagnosis or loss. This year,  JoAnna and Alessandra are taking solace in giving back to all  families that are coping with loss. Together, they are working with Reinwalds to raise funds and encourage friends and family to host their own bake sales during National Cupcakes for a Cause Week. In honor of JoAnna’s husband,  Reinwald’s Bakery will be selling a  ‘cookies and cream cupcake named after him – proceeds will go back to Cupcake for a Cause.

Last year’s campaign was a great success, raising nearly $100,000 for CancerCare for Kids. Cupcakes for a Cause began in 2004 when CancerCare enlisted a small group of New York City bakeries to bake and sell special cupcakes to support the program. For more information,  visit www.cupcakesforacause.org.