Panera Bread sends Oklahoma kids on trip of a lifetime

There were plenty of smiles and even a few tears of joy as three Oklahoma kids were surprised with the trip of a lifetime.

Through a partnership with Panera Bread and Baking Memories 4 Kids, Penelope Merideth, 3; Kellan Wood, 5; and Callie Martin, 9, were all surprised with an all-expense paid trip for them and their families to Florida. Their trip will include three days at Disney World, two days at Universal Studios, one day at Sea World and one day at Lego Land.

Through a partnership that launched April 3, Traditional Bakery Inc./Oklahoma City Bakery Inc. franchise (TBI/OKC), Panera Bread bakery-cafes in Oklahoma, Northwest and Central Arkansas, and Southwest Missouri have given guests the opportunity to round up their purchase total to the nearest dollar. Proceeds from rounded-up transactions have been donated to Baking Memories 4 Kids. Additionally, during this year’s holiday season, for each bag of Chocolate Chip Petite Cookies sold, Panera Bread will donate $1 to Baking Memories.

So far, TBI/OKC has raised more than $140,000 for Baking Memories 4 Kids. With this money, they plan to present even more children with these life-changing trips.

Panera Bread and Baking Memories 4 Kids are actively seeking nominations of children. To nominate a child with a terminal or life-threatening disease, go to http://bakingmemories4kids.com/nominate-afamily/.

TOP. RIGHT: : Kellan Wood, 5, will be traveling to Florida with his family as part of the vacation package.

[PHOTO PROVIDED] Penelope Merideth, 3, and her family have been awarded a trip that includes Disney World.

[PHOTOS PROVIDED] BOTTOM, RIGHT: Callie Martin, 9, was one of three children receiving trips to Florida to go to Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and Lego Land.