Austin Bakes for Japan Post-Mortem: $11,400 for AmeriCares
Austin Bakes for Japan, held just this past Saturday, was a resounding success. The effort raised over $11,400, all of which has already been sent along to AmeriCares for relief work. That the sale was so successful says tremendous things about the community here in Austin. Dozens of bakers and bloggers stepped up to donate their wares — and to stand around outside all day on a rather hot Saturday to make sure the thing came off without a hitch. Businesses provided locations and supplies and to contribute cash. And, people stopped by and donated generously. I saw someone drop $30 in the jar for four donuts!
A huge amount of credit is owed to Kathryn of Austin Gastronomist, whose organizational skills — or should I say genius? — helped rally people and businesses from across the city. I served as site lead at the Westlake location, and it was tremendous to see all the work coming together. I cannot possibly thank everyone who helped, even just at that location; there are people, like the children who showed up, waived signs, sold lemonade, and handed out paper cranes they’d helped make in advance, whose names I never even quite got. I would, however, like to give credit to the other site leads: Lisa of Lisa is Cooking, Rachelle of Blinded by the Bite, Shelley of Franish Nonspeaker, and Stephanie of Lazy Smurf.
I was so blown away by everyone’s generosity and kindness. People did amazing things, and really pulled together to make something amazing happen. I kept almost crying as people dropped off their goods Saturday morning, and I’m actually crying as I type this up. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to everyone who helped for giving so freely.
