The gift of giving, 08.03.11

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

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Becky Nichols, owner of Bountiful Bakery and Cafe, bakes cookies for her daughter Libbie's birthday. She honors Libbie, who died at age 5 in 2004, by making families with sick children macaroni and cheese and other foods. This year she's throwing a birthday party to raise money for that cause.

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(Laura Skelding AMERICAN-STATESMAN )

Becky Nichols, owner of Bountiful Bakery and Cafe, bakes cookies for her daughter Libbie's birthday. She honors Libbie, who died at age 5 in 2004, by making families with sick children macaroni and cheese and other foods. This year she's throwing a birthday party to raise money for that cause.

Story: What better way to celebrate a birthday than give the gift of giving

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(Laura Skelding AMERICAN-STATESMAN )

Nichols' daughter, Libbie, knew how to give back and inspired her mother. Pictures of Libbie hang on a bulletin board at the bakery.

Story: What better way to celebrate a birthday than give the gift of giving

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(Laura Skelding AMERICAN-STATESMAN )

These are the "I love you" cookies inspired by Libbie (they say "I love you" in sign language).

Story: What better way to celebrate a birthday than give the gift of giving

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(Laura Skelding AMERICAN-STATESMAN )

This is the mac and cheese that Nichols donates.

Story: What better way to celebrate a birthday than give the gift of giving

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(Ricardo B. Brazziell AMERICAN-STATESMAN )

Using meat and veggies that Addie Broyles precooked, Mando Rayo helped reheat the taco filling for Broyles' Pay It Forward birthday dinner party.

Story: What better way to celebrate a birthday than give the gift of giving

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(Ricardo B. Brazziell AMERICAN-STATESMAN )

Friends gather for Addie Broyles' Pay It Forward birthday party last month at the Open Room Austin near the Pfluger pedestrian bridge downtown. Guests were invited to come to enjoy a meal cooked by the birthday girl, but no gifts, please.

Story: What better way to celebrate a birthday than give the gift of giving

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(Ricardo B. Brazziell AMERICAN-STATESMAN )

Donations that honor West Austin child's memory inspire birthday party that encourages guests to give to others.

Story: What better way to celebrate a birthday than give the gift of giving

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(Ricardo B. Brazziell AMERICAN-STATESMAN )

Some guests brought drinks or desserts to add to the birthday celebration. This fruit cooler brandy was created by a friend.

Story: What better way to celebrate a birthday than give the gift of giving

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(Ricardo B. Brazziell AMERICAN-STATESMAN )

Friends gather for Addie Broyles' Pay It Forward birthday party last month at the Open Room Austin near the Pfluger pedestrian bridge downtown. Guests were invited to come to enjoy a meal cooked by the birthday girl, but no gifts, please.

Story: What better way to celebrate a birthday than give the gift of giving

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(Ricardo B. Brazziell AMERICAN-STATESMAN )

Some guests brought drinks or desserts to add to the birthday celebration.

Story: What better way to celebrate a birthday than give the gift of giving

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