Bite Me Kupcakez: A Bakery in Crisis

Dear Compassionate Friends, Supportive Family, and Caring Community,

I hope this message finds you in good health, though it comes with a sense of urgency and a heavy heart as I share the profound challenges our family is currently navigating. In 2017, we embarked on the journey of creating Bite Me Kupcakez, an allergy-friendly bakery and cafe dedicated to offering gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan products. Our commitment extended beyond our doors, as we actively participated in various volunteer events and supported local causes.

Our involvement in the community was driven by a desire to give back. We hosted events such as the 4th of July breakfast, the MPD breakfast, and actively contributed to local fire departments, police departments, urgent cares, soup kitchens, assisted living homes, and schools in town. In a particularly heartfelt effort, we raised several thousand dollars in donations for the war, a cause that hit close to home as a family of Ukrainian decent.

Despite facing financial strains due to pay cuts and foregoing health insurance, we held firm in our belief in our business. Successfully navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic, our optimism was shattered in the spring of 2021 when my mother, a cornerstone of our family and business, was diagnosed with three brain tumors. Her health challenges prompted us to expand Bite Me Kupcakez, ensuring proximity to the bakery and caring for our aging parents.

Unbeknownst to us, the contractor we entrusted with our dreams turned out to be a senior citizen scam artist. Through deceit and manipulation, he falsified invoices, continually demanded funds for materials and services never delivered, and subjected us to endless delays and complications. The construction project, initiated in December 2022, remains incomplete, leaving us financially strained and emotionally drained.

In the midst of this turmoil, October 2023 brought another devastating blow: my mother's diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer, spreading to her liver. Despite her health challenges, she bravely volunteered for an experimental trial to contribute to cancer research. Unfortunately, complications arose, leading to severe infections, hospitalization, and an uncertain timeline for resuming treatment.

Our once-thriving bakery, a beacon of joy in our lives and the community, is now on the brink. With my husband leaving his job to support both the business and our family, we are grappling with the harsh reality of financial hardship. Essential expenses, including prescriptions and bills, have become overwhelming, and putting food on our table has become a daily struggle.

As we strive for transparency, we want to share the intricate details of our journey. The contractor's deceptive practices and the resulting financial burden have left us in a precarious position. We have taken every step possible to rectify the situation, engaging with the bank, local authorities, and consumer protection agencies. The toll on our family has been immeasurable, and we now find ourselves at a critical juncture.

We turn to you, our community, friends, and those who may resonate with our story, seeking assistance during this trying time. Your support, whether through sharing our story, visiting our bakery, or making a donation, will make an immeasurable difference in our lives. We are not seeking sympathy but rather the opportunity to continue the legacy my mother started – to bring joy, compassion, and delicious allergen-free treats to those who need it most.

If you find it within your hearts to contribute, we would be eternally grateful. Every donation, irrespective of its size, will help us navigate this challenging time. Together, we can overcome these obstacles and keep the doors of Bite Me Kupcakez open.

Thank you for taking the time to read our extended story, and we appreciate any support you can provide.

With heartfelt gratitude, The Bite Me Kupcakez Family

www.bitemekupcakez.com