Lorraine’s Dream Bakery: A Labor of Love
Hello! My name is Lorraine, and I am reaching out to you today with a heartfelt story and a dream that has been almost a lifetime in the making. I am raising $50,000 to open my very own bakery, a true labor of love that has faced many challenges but remains a burning passion in my heart.
In January 2020, my husband and I embarked on a journey to realize a dream we had long cherished – to open a small bakery in rural Nebraska. With my self-taught baking skills and my husband’s unwavering support, we poured our hearts into our work. Unfortunately, just as we began to find our footing, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and we faced overwhelming challenges. Despite our best efforts, we were too small and too new to withstand the impact, and it broke my heart but I made the decision to close our bakery. It was a painful but necessary decision for the wellbeing of our family.
To help provide for our family after the closure, I took a job as an assistant manager with a growing locally owned cookie chain. Over the next three years, I worked tirelessly, climbing the ranks to become a Quality & Production Manager and then the Operations Manager overseeing six stores in multiple states. I learned so much during this time and honed my skills, but my true passion for creating baked goods never faded.
Tragically, in August 2023, my life took another unexpected turn. I lost my beloved husband of 23 years in a devastating auto accident on his way home from work. As I navigated through that heart-wrenching loss, my youngest daughter, who has a disability and relies on a wheelchair, made the difficult decision to move to North Carolina to be closer to her father’s family. This past year has been a roller coaster of emotions and changes, but I’m determined to honor my husband’s memory by pursuing my dream.
With a newfound motivation, I have enrolled in culinary school to further refine my skills and learn everything I can about running a successful bakery. Each cake I bake and each pastry I create brings me closer to my dream. I want to open a bakery that not only serves delicious goods but also creates a warm community space for everyone to gather.
I am reaching out to you for support in this next chapter of my life. I am seeking to raise $50,000 to help cover the costs of equipment, ingredients, and the initial setup of my bakery. I believe that with your help, I can create a beautiful space where love and community come together over fresh-baked goods.
No amount is too small, and every contribution brings me closer to my dream. If you’re unable to donate, sharing my story with your friends and family would mean the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Together, we can turn this dream into reality and create something truly special.
With love and gratitude,
Lorraine
