February 24, 2018, marked the twelfth annual fundraiser, Cookies with Characters, hosted by Meredith’s Miracles, where they raised $52,000 and had around 3,000 people show up.

Cookies with Characters has raised over $551,000 and helped more than 1,000 families. The money raised at the annual fundraiser goes directly to families to help with non-medical expenses when the families have to relocate to get their children help.

Meredith’s Miracles was created in honor and memory of Meredith McGlammory when she lost her two-year fight against cancer at age five. Her family wanted other families in similar situations to have the support and love of a community; they wanted to give a little back to those in need.

John Reid McGlammory responded with passion when asked about on Meredith’s Miracles, “Since 2005, Meredith’s Miracles has helped both financially and emotionally. No one can imagine the financial or emotional burden our families go through until one is affected personally. With that, it is only through love and grace that we are able to support our family just as those who graciously supported our family all of those years ago when Meredith was sick. There is no dollar amount for any life on Earth, yet we can give dollar amounts to lessen time spent to support their fighting loved ones rather than worrying over their travel costs, next meal, or sleeping arrangements. It is our privilege to create daily miracles for our families, and each one of them is loved just as deeply as the next.”

Cookies with Characters is Meredith’s Miracles largest fundraiser. It is a show that takes place in Andalusia, Alabama. Volunteers perform as all manner of familiar characters during the event. The show is performed twice on the big day. Once in the early afternoon and once in the evening.

This year the theme of the show was a circus inspired by the movie The Greatest Showman. John Reid McGlammory had the only speaking part as the Ringmaster. The other characters ranged from Disney princes and princesses like Beauty and the Beast to well-known TV characters like Dora the Explorer.

After the show where all the characters are introduced to the very young, adoring crowd, the characters get in position so that the children can line up to get their pictures taken with their favorite characters and get their signature.

It is a wonderful event hosted by wonderful people looking to share a little love with the world.