Deising's Bakery Donates ,180 to People's Place: A Sweet Gesture with a Twist

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Eric Deising, the owner of Deising's Bakery in Kingston, New York, presented a check for ,180 to Christine Hein, the executive director of People's Place, a local non-profit organization. This generous donation was the result of a unique collaboration between Deising's Bakery and the popular television host, John Oliver, which has captured the attention of the community and beyond.

Turning Adversity into Opportunity: The Remarkable Story Behind the Donation

The Unexpected Closure of Red Lobster and the Emergence of a Unique Opportunity

When the national restaurant chain Red Lobster abruptly closed its Town of Ulster location, leaving over 40 employees without jobs, it set off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to a remarkable donation. The decision to auction off the kitchen equipment from the closed restaurant caught the attention of John Oliver, the host of a popular comedy show. Oliver, known for his quirky and creative approach, purchased the equipment and furniture, using them to build a Red Lobster set on his show.

Deising's Bakery Enters the Fray and the Birth of the John Oliver Cake Bears

Deising's Bakery, a longtime fixture in the Kingston community, had hoped to acquire the kitchen equipment from the closed Red Lobster location. When Eric Deising, the owner of the bakery, expressed his disappointment in a News 12 Westchester article, it caught the attention of John Oliver. The television host then issued a challenge to Deising's Bakery: if they could create a cake in the shape of a bear, they would receive the coveted kitchen equipment.

A Sweet Success: Deising's Bakery Rises to the Occasion

Deising's Bakery rose to the challenge, creating a unique and whimsical cake bear design that captured the public's imagination. The bakery went on to sell an impressive 3,800 of these John Oliver cake bears, generating a substantial profit of ,180. It was during a moment of reflection, while lying in bed, that Eric Deising decided to donate the entire proceeds from the cake bear sales to People's Place, a local non-profit organization.

The Donation and Its Impact on the Community

The presentation of the ,180 check to Christine Hein, the executive director of People's Place, was a heartwarming moment. Hein expressed her gratitude, not only for the financial contribution but also for the awareness it brought to the organization's mission of serving the community with kindness and compassion. The donation will be used to pave a new parking lot at the People's Place facility, ensuring that the many individuals who rely on their services can access the organization with ease.

A Lasting Legacy: The Enduring Impact of Deising's Bakery's Generosity

The story of Deising's Bakery's donation to People's Place has captured the attention of the local community and beyond. It serves as a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the desire to make a positive impact. The collaboration between Deising's Bakery and John Oliver has not only resulted in a substantial financial contribution but has also brought greater visibility to the important work being done by People's Place. This gesture of goodwill will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in their footsteps, creating a ripple effect of kindness and community support.