Lila's Sweet Treats

Much More than a Diagnosis

If you’ve tried any of the items from our Kottage Kitchen, you can easily tell they are the product of special ingredients, time and limitless love. But the story behind Lila’s Sweet Treats makes their items even sweeter.

Lila’s family and friends believe sharing her story and dispelling myths of those with Down syndrome and other disabilities is why they were chosen for this journey.

Early on, their family appeared at fundraising events for Children’s Hospital in Columbia, including the B106 Radiothon, the Publix Miracle balloon campaign and several recruitment efforts. Soon after, the hospital foundation staff asked the Mozingo family to be a part of the University of South Carolina Dance Marathon and allow Lila to be one of several local Miracle Kids. They quickly agreed and have participated each year, allowing the college students to get to know Lila as they attend events together throughout each year.

Quality medical care saved Lila’s life, starting with her first emergency surgery when she was just three days old. But finding inclusive, challenging educational opportunities was not as easy. To surround Lila with educational professionals who saw Lila’s potential, the Mozingos were forced to move Lila to a private Montessori program. That’s when the idea of selling the sour dough bread first came to them – sour dough for a sweet purpose. During the COVID pandemic, they were forced to homeschool Lila using available resources for tutoring and other opportunities. Today, those efforts continue, allowing Lila the time to hone her salesmanship skills as well as being center stage for advocacy events.

Lila's family - and Lila - are working hard to make sure she has an independent future. The goal is for Lila to be a contributing member of the community and to give back to others.

Right now, that business is home-based creating delicious treats for special orders (individual and gift baskets), and to sell at Knick Knacks & More,  and Boland's Ace Hardware and special events. Lila also participates in a variety of markets where she is able to build life and job skills by selling her goodies. Every step is teaching life skills and building awareness of the limitless potential of any individual, when loved and supported.

The Mozingos have proven that the Lila's Sweet Treats concept is a winner, and dream of taking the next step - building a commercial kitchen that would allow Lila - and other young people - to work to grow the business. There's a demand for the products, and no shortage of friends who could be hired to help and have a fulfilling, legitimate work opportunity. What's stopping them? Capital.

Interested in supporting their efforts to Raise the Dough? Contributions of any amount are appreciated. Please note: Any contributions are not tax deductible.

https://www.limitlesslila.com/shop-support-lila.htm