Article written by Tarina on stltoday.com
Recently, Butler’s Pantry made a young girls’ wish come true. The catering company hosted Make-A-Wish® recipient, 14-year-old Alexis, to be a baker for the day. Alexis was diagnosed a year ago with a rare condition called Neuromyelitis optica — an autoimmune, inflammatory disorder in which a person’s own immune system attacks the optic nerves and spinal cord. Alexis has suffered two major attacks with her illness causing her to lose the ability to walk, talk and swallow. Some would be devastated and defeated with this prognosis, but not Alexis. With unwavering faith and strength Alexis has fought back and miraculously regained all of the abilities she lost.
“At Make-A-Wish we often say ‘share the power of a wish,’” said Megan Hoffman, Development Manager for Make-A-Wish Missouri. “Wishes have the power to bring hope, strength and joy to our children when they need it the most. They also have the power to bring families and entire communities together.” Alexis wish was no different.
At the start of her wish, an entire crowd gathered at Butler’s Pantry holding signs and in celebration of Alexis’ Big Day. She and her family arrived by limo and the crowd cheered. Butler’s Pantry was the perfect venue for Alexis to not only experience her one true wish, but it also allowed her family and friends to join in celebration of her triumphant journey battling this life-threatening illness.
“Alexis has endured so much with her illness and is still fighting,” said Richard Nix, Jr., President of Butler’s Pantry. “She is an inspiring young girl and we couldn’t pass up this opportunity to make Alexis’ dream come true. To be a baker for the day is such a simple wish that we should be so lucky to grant.”
Butler’s Pantry granted Alexis her wish in pure VIP fashion. In addition to giving Alexis full reign of the kitchen, Butler’s Pantry presented her with her own embroidered chef’s coat, hosted an elegant lunch for her entire party and sent her home with beautiful floral arrangements, boxed up cupcakes and cookies. At the end of her wish they also surprised her with a designer cake created by Butler’s Pantry’s pastry chefs and a basket full of professional baking supplies and goodies to continue her journey at home.
“Alexis has been so courageous through her battle with her illness. Her wish was a day of celebrating not only what she has overcome, but also her future. We’re so thankful to Butler’s Pantry and Make-A-Wish Missouri for making it all happen!” said Alexis’ mother, Tina.
Butler’s Pantry will continue to support Make-A-Wish via Piccione Pastry’s “Pastry with a Purpose” program. On June 23-29, the shop will donate 10% of their net proceeds to six different non-profit organizations, including Make-A-Wish Missouri.