Help Save the Cupcakes

Hi, my name is Deanna Damen and I am the proud owner and founder of Cake Gypsy Bakery. For almost 15 years we have had the pleasure of supplying our communities with our award winning cupcakes and baked goods including being named Best Cupcakes in CT. As the owner, I devote myself to this business by working 7 days a week, usually 80 hours or more per week. I have made many sacrifices, both personal and financial to give back to the community that I love so much.

Since Cake Gypsy's inception we have supported numerous causes by donating to individuals, schools, hospitals, clothes and food for the homeless, local charities and fundraisers, animal welfare organizations, scholarships, and so much more. Cake Gypsy's mission is to help those in need as there is nothing more fulfilling and meaningful than to be able to help others.

Sadly, this past December 10th on the way to my birthday dinner, I was involved in a car accident that totaled my car and instead of celebrating, I ended up in the hospital with injuries. Although I am expected to recover, the additional stress from this incident after all I've been dealing with for the past 3 years was the breaking point and served as a huge wake up call.

In the spirit of full transparency, I'd like to share the intricate details of Cake Gypsy's journey these past few years. Cake Gypsy's business model is unlike many others. My primary focus was to establish a business that manufactures delicious baked goods for my customers, creates well paying jobs, brings happiness to others, and gives back to the community we serve. Any and all profits were always put back into the business for the benefit of others. In addition, I forego taking a paycheck preferring to give that money to my employees in the form of higher than normal wages.

The sole reason for expanding with other stores was to be able to offer benefits to my employees. A benefit package that includes medical insurance is extremely costly and one store just could not accomplish offering that.

Cake Gypsy is an extremely successful business and we sell an incredible amount of cupcakes on a daily basis. However, due to the constant increasing costs of ingredients, insurance, rents, labor, utilities, supplies, packaging, maintenance, etc. it has become difficult to weather these increases AND complete the buildouts required for our West Hartford store to open and Granby to reopen. For many years, I have absorbed these increased costs while also investing over $600,000.00 in buildouts and their related expenses. These stores are so close to opening, yet it constantly feels as if I am taking 2 steps forward and 1 step backward. I have literally been through hell and back these past few years with everything I've had to deal with. To say it's been stressful is an understatement.

Not having these other stores open has taken an incredible toll on our business. The continued success of our Avon and Canton stores is directly linked to opening West Hartford and Granby. As it now stands, without assistance the business will be unsustainable.

I am committed to the projects that are near completion but find myself in the unique position of asking for your help in order to make it happen. The cost to complete the projects and open the stores, in addition to adding and upgrading POS systems for the current stores, additional equipment, hiring and training staff, stocking, etc. is approximately $120,000.00 which leaves me with a shortfall of $70,000.00. Since there is very little profit in a bakery business, a loan is not an option as it would need to be repaid.

Through many sleepless nights and stressful days, I have revised our business model without sacrificing the quality of our products or raising our prices, and to continue to provide you with the customer service you expect. The new business model includes not only adding more dessert items but expanding our Gluten Free and Vegan business as well as wholesaling, shipping, online ordering and delivery. These planned additions will also create more jobs in our community.

But we need your help in order to make this happen. Your donation is an investment not only in Cake Gypsy's future but in our community as well. The reason we exist is to give back. 100% of all money raised will be used solely for the purpose of sustaining, improving and growing Cake Gypsy. Any and all future profits will continue to be put back into the business so we can continue our mission of supporting others. We are so proud to have made such a positive impact in the communities we serve throughout the years and with your help we can continue to do so.

Thank you for your consideration, donation and/or sharing of this fundraiser. We sincerely appreciate your business and continued support throughout the years. It has been an honor to serve you and a privilege to be a part of this amazing community. We look forward to Cake Gypsy being around for many more years and to continue to be a part of your family's lives and special occasions.

With much love and sincere appreciation, Deanna