10-year-old creates cookie business and donates thousands of proceeds to charity | 2022 Staten Islanders

Editor’s Note: In the news business, every year has its unique stories, newsmakers, villains and heroes.

But in the Staten Island news business, Advance/SILive.com also has the privilege of telling the stories of our neighbors — everyday people doing extraordinary and inspiring things.

This year, in honor of the Staten Islanders who brought out the best in the area, we’re highlighting and honoring some of the standouts. 2022 Staten Island’s Brightest Lights.

Congratulations to every district resident who wants to give back, change, lead by example, inspire others, advocate and/or care about their community in 2022.

2022 Staten Island’s Brightest Lights: Madison French

To sum up her story:

Madison French’s baking journey began in early 2021 when, at the age of 8, she used her downtime to create treats for family and friends. It wasn’t long before the great feedback she was getting on her creations led her to consider becoming an entrepreneur.

“I thought about creating a website and having a full staff, but I realized I would need money for that, which I don’t have,” laughed Madison. “So my friends and I discussed it and decided that everyone should go on Facebook. I thought if I could build a Facebook page and get a lot of followers, my cookies would be successful. So what we did is what we did.

With the help of her parents, she launched Madi’s Sweet Treats, calling the business “homemade items for a good cause.”

Her mom explained that every month, Madison picks a charity to donate to — she chooses a new menu and theme, usually related to the charity — and after deducting what she needs for the next batch of cookies, she donates what’s left over. Increases donations by up to 45% every month.

Louis Heritage, Tunnel to Towers, Sunrise Day Camp and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital All benefited from Madison’s cookie sale. By the end of the year, Madison said she had donated more than $3,000.

Madison was honored for her philanthropic focus by the JCC on April 3: she was the first child to receive the organization’s “Next Generation” honor, the Nancy Avis Lor Vidor Award. Your contribution to society.

If you want to order a cookie from Maddie’s Sweet Treats, visit her store Here on Facebook. A few of her baked goods are also offered each month at Bella Beans Cafe in Shore Acres.

Read the full story:

By Jessica Jones-Gorman | April 13, 2022

STATEN ISLAND, NY – Madison French wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up. Oh singer. Oh President. Or maybe all three. It’s hard to make a decision, because at just 9 years old, the fourth-grader is busy with dance class, tennis practice, guitar lessons and school. So, in the meantime, she’s simply baking cookies and doing charity work.

“I love making new things,” Madison said in a recent phone interview from her Rossville kitchen — the exact place where the magic happens every Tuesday of the week when the grammar school student mixes brown sugar and butter and creates eight dozen cookies each.

“When I was young, I always baked these beautiful chocolate cakes with my mom. I loved the art and how you can express yourself in the kitchen. As I got older, I did some more exploring and started creating my own recipes. I think the frosting is my favorite, because it’s easy – four There are only ingredients – and when you’re done, lick the plate,” explained the young baker.

The story continues >>

>> More State Island Bright Lights in 2022 <

– Anthony Mendez and Mark Rainey: Heroic HS lacrosse coaches save a man who dies in the game.

– Justin Mills: The music producer who lost everything is now an inspiring success story.

– Alice Catalano: Once a Willowbrook resident mother of 2 celebrates the life she built.

– Hope Campanella: A 5-year-old boy was born with half a heart, but he won’t have ‘half a life’.

– Once the unimaginable challenges are gone, nothing can stop this pandemic-era valedictorian.

– An inspiring adoption drive brings orphans to the Huguenot home