Newport kids sell cupcakes to help fund Joy Jars for children with cancer

A group of Newport Elementary School students set up a cupcake stand Saturday on Balboa Island’s Marine Avenue to raise funds for children with cancer.

The fundraiser for the Jessie Rees Foundation was hosted by a local photo studio, Classic Kids, and raised $500 in three hours.

“I believe that kids fighting cancer should not feel alone, labeled or limited — but rather be encouraged by love, hope and joy,” studio manager Michelle Tingler said.

The Jessie Rees Foundation was inspired by 12-year-old Jessie Rees of Rancho Santa Margarita, who lost her battle with cancer in 2012.

While fighting her own battle, Jessie chose to focus on helping other kids with cancer who couldn’t leave the hospital, according to the foundation’s website.

Jessie came up with the idea of Joy Jars, which were filled with small toys and delivered to hospitalized children.

Organizers say the money from the cupcake stand will help continue the jars.

Kathy Sinacori, mother of a Newport Elementary School student, said she likes the idea of kids helping kids and thinks this is an easy concept for children to understand.

For more information, visit www.negu.org.

—Susan Hoffman