Save The Smiley Face Cookie Defense Fund

We need your help to defend our beloved business, The Smiley Face Cookie Company, against a cease-and-desist demand we've received regarding our use of the "smiley" name in connection with cookies. As a small, family-owned business, we feel we have a strong legal defense against the trademark holder, but the high cost of legal fees to protect our brand is simply more than we can handle on our own.

Our company, founded by McArthur's Bakery, was created with a meaningful mission: to provide competitive, fulfilling employment for adults with disabilities. For many of our employees, working with us offers a sense of pride and independence. They contribute to something greater than just cookies—they are part of a community dedicated to breaking barriers and showing what is possible when people are given opportunities.

The Smiley Face Cookie Company has grown into a symbol of joy, inclusion, and empowerment for both our employees and our customers. Our iconic smiley cookies are a reminder of happiness, and the work we do helps those who often face barriers in the workplace thrive and succeed.

However, we are now facing the possibility of having to rebrand entirely—losing everything we’ve worked so hard to build. Rebranding would not only lead to the loss of the recognition and goodwill we've established over the years, but it would also be a huge blow to the team of adults with disabilities who rely on this job for their livelihood. The time, effort, and resources required to change our name, logo, and marketing materials would detract from our core mission and potentially jeopardize our ability to keep offering these life-changing employment opportunities.

We firmly believe that the cease-and-desist demand is unjust and that we have a strong case to defend our right to continue using the smiley face branding. However, we need your help to cover the substantial legal costs necessary to mount this defense. Your generous donations will go directly toward legal fees to help us stand strong and continue providing meaningful employment to our dedicated team.

Please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign and help us preserve this important work. Together, we can show that the power of inclusion and joy is stronger than any legal threat.

Your generous contributions will help cover incurred legal costs, support rebranding efforts if necessary, and, if extra funds are received, reinvest in our program to create more employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, helping them thrive and reach their full potential

Thank you for your support!

Donate Today, Smile Tomorrow!

Learn more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHqIeoGZy3U

And some more from us being on the Today Show: https://www.today.com/video/pioneer-bakery-and-cafe-employs-adults-with-special-needs-101887557865