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Help The Oven Mitt

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These unprecedented times are affecting all of us in ways we never imagined. Our lives and livelihoods are all at risk and the future is uncertain. I know all of you are suffering and anxious in your own ways. I completely understand if you cannot give at this time. However, I would appreciate it if everyone would take the time to read this and consider at least sharing with a close friend or family.

I have had the privilege of watching as a proud big sister as Tracy has grown her hobby into a full time, successful small business. After more than a decade as a Paramedic she officially opened The Oven Mitt Bakery in February of 2017 and has used her ability to stay calm under stress, face any challenge head on, and get the job done no matter what to achieve her business goals in half the time she expected.

Tracy graduated from the Culinary Institute of Michigan in 2016 with a degree in Pastry Arts and just 8 months later opened The Oven Mitt Bakery. She accomplished both while working full time saving lives, raising a family, and planning a wedding. She was already turning a profit after her first year in business.Tracy has balanced all of the trials, challenges, and growing pains with grace, humility, and without any diminishment in her ambition. 

Before officially enrolling in college Tracy would make specialty cakes and other baked goods for her friends, colleagues, and family members. She loved spreading joy through baked goods and now she gets to do that for a living! Since finding success with her business she has found several ways to give back to her community. Including providing baked goods for non-profit fundraisers such as the Hospice House of Holland and Haddie's Calling. She also mentors other women small business owners.

When Michigan issued a stay at home order Tracy was forced to temporarily close the bakery and layoff her wonderful employees. Had she been able to reopen in May she would have been able to weather the storm. However, it does not look like this will be the case and she will soon be faced with a devastating decision - will she have to close for good. 

Tracy has been denied for three grants that she has applied for because there just wasn't enough money to go around and the small business loan fund is also out of money. Tracy has exhausted every minute of every day working to keep her dream alive. She is proud of what she has accomplished, and too stubborn to give up - or to ask for help. 

SHE DOES NOT KNOW I AM DOING THIS!

Her birthday is coming up and I would love to surprise her with a present from all of us. I know that everyone is dealing with financial concerns at this time, but even a few dollars and a share will help. I am hoping to raise enough money for Tracy to be able to afford her overhead costs until the bakery is able to reopen.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I know she will appreciate anything you are able to give. Even if you are only able to send good thoughts we are thankful!

#SmallBusinessRelief
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Donations 

  • GoFundMe.org
    • $500
    • 5 yrs
  • Tim Suman
    • $100
    • 5 yrs
  • Sandra Bromley
    • $30
    • 5 yrs
  • Larissa Jones
    • $50
    • 5 yrs
  • Meredith Baxter
    • $50
    • 5 yrs
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Fundraising team (2)

Heather McMillan
Organizer
Holland, MI
Tracy Allen
Beneficiary
Whitney Pinder
Team member

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