Cupcakes for a Cause: Every Purchase Supports Christian's Wish

Westfield merchants and have cooked up a delicious way to support the family of 13-year-old Christian Panarese, born with spastic quadraplegia, in their efforts to purchase a new wheelchair. 

Starting at noon on Saturday, May 19, the businesses will be selling 300 cupcakes, prepared by pastry chef and Garwood resident Melissa Walsh, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Christian's Wish. 

"We've already gotten a wonderful response from customers that we've told about the event," said Lauren Ramos of CoolVines. 

Christian, a Westfield resident who attends , lives with and is cared for by his grandparents Frank and Nancy Panarese. Because he has outgrown his current wheelchair, Christian has the opportunity to get a new, more advanced wheelchair which would allow him his lifelong dream of being able to stand upright.

This wheelchair could enable him to use the blackboard in his classes, navigate the halls of his school, and go out with his friends downtown with ease. The cost of the wheelchair, $49,000, is not covered by insurance, but it would be a priceless possession for Christian and his family.

Friends of Christian's grandfather have organized a benefit , which will be held from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Tickets to the dinner and comedy show are still available and can be purchased by emailing christianswish@comcast.net or by calling Michael Kenny at 908-232-6770 x 129 or Carmen Brocato at 732-675-5748.

Additionally, donations can be made through the fundraising website: https://fundly.com/s/gttx06d1 or can be mailed to: Christian's Wish 752 East Broad St. Westfield, NJ 07090