Introducing The“Heart of Gold Award” Cookie
by Christian Burrows on September 18, 2026; 10:00 am
Faithful Layers Bakery is teaming up with the Brightside Cafe of Buford for something amazing: a way to celebrate the heart, hustle, and sportsmanship of every athlete at the upcoming Brightside Games!
What Is the "Heart of Gold Award” Cookie?
The Heart of Gold Award Cookies are individually wrapped sugar cookies shaped like gold medallions. During the 2nd Annual Brightside Games Event, we will give our athlete participants a cookie to celebrate their effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship!
And Here's the Best Part…
You can help make it happen!
How It Works
For every “Heart of Gold Award” Cookie sponsored online at $6, $3 goes directly to the Brightside Forever Foundation to support their mission. Your sponsorship means an athlete receives a cookie and the funds contribute to their $100,000 goal for the event! Your gesture will make a lasting impact for the athletes and the foundation’s mission.
Please note:
Online Heart of Gold Award Cookie Sponsorships are limited to 120 cookies based on the total number of athletes participating in the events. Once that number is reached, the online sponsorships will close, but there are still plenty of other ways to be part of the celebration!
Want to Join the Fun on October 4th?
Mark your calendars! The Brightside Games will take place from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Buford — just about 15 minutes from the Mall of Georgia in Buford, Georgia.
There are so many ways to be part of the day! Athletes, buddies, volunteers, and vendors can all register through Brightside's official website linked below! Aren’t able to volunteer or buddy up? You can still enjoy the fun by showing up and supporting the athletes and the other events hosted during the day of fun!
Alongside the games, you'll find local businesses and vendors, food trucks, and a car show! You will find the Faithful Layers Bakery stand along with them! Stop by to pick up your very own Heart of Gold Award Cookie in person for your enjoyment, along with other delicious, seasonal treats we will be offering. The same $3 of every $6 sale of the Heart of Gold Award Cookie goes directly to support Brightside Forever Foundation.
Why We're Doing This
Sports aren't just about winning. They're about showing up, trying hard, encouraging teammates, and playing with heart — and that's worth celebrating. The Heart of Gold Award cookie is our way of putting a little extra joy into that moment of recognition, while also rallying our community around a foundation that is creating meaningful work, such as supporting employment, transportation, and education for adults with special abilities.
Faithful Layers Bakery tributes the Heart of Gold Award Cookie in loving memory of sister-in-law Bethany.
This initiative is a way to honor her spirit and carry a piece of her heart into this celebration of the athletes. She loved sports, as a former member of her baseball team, enjoyed her college program, and had a sweet tooth like her dad!
Other Ways to Give
The Brightside Games offer several other ways for the community to show up and show out:
Want to support as a business?
Gold Sponsorship ($7,500) — Includes prominent logo placement on event banners, signage, and materials, recognition during the Opening Ceremony, a branded item in every participant's bag, a vendor table, and social media/website recognition.
Game Sponsor ($1,000) — Sponsor one of the games with your own tent/table setup, a company sign at your game station, direct interaction with participants, and social media recognition.
Have a cool car?
Car Show Entry ($20) — New this year! Enter your car in the Brightside Games Hot Rod Car Show for a chance at the Judges Award or People's Choice Award, while supporting the foundation.
Would you simply like to give more?
General Donations — Can't make it to the event? You can still give directly in any amount to support the foundation's mission.
All of these options, along with tickets and additional details, are found on the official Brightside Games 2026 page:
