Panera Turns Dough into Donations—No Yeast Required

Gentle Reader, I've told you about many a charity event over the years. Most of the ones I tend to gravitate towards telling you about are the ones that involve as little effort from you as possible.  A win/win, if you will. I mean, will it be as positive as a photo of a bunch of women from different races, economic backgrounds and circumstances high fiving?  No.  But it's a positive thing all the same.

Why? 'Cos I know how it is. It's hard enough keeping your own family happy, healthy and fed. It can be hard to think about helping others if you're struggling yourself. Or if things just aren't as easy as they could be. There's no shame in getting frustrated. Even if your ends are met, nobody denies that was hard work.

So I try to tell you about stuff where you can help others while also helping yourself, or doing something you woulda already had on the agenda.

That's why I'm gonna tell you about this thing. You get a chance to eat a cinnamon crunch bagel AND help people at the same time. The moment has arrived. On July 11, the Sedalia Panera Bread will donate 20% of sales to the United Way of Pettis County. That’s right! Every bite of broccoli cheddar soup (well, YOU can get that, I get tomato), every You Pick Two, every bear claw can help support local programs and families in need.

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It’s the easiest good deed you’ll do all week. No heavy lifting, no awkward small talk, heck, you don't even have to leave the drive thru.  Just order lunch, dinner, or a second breakfast, and let your appetite do the philanthropy. Whether you're craving a turkey sandwich, a green goddess salad, or just pretending that ten bagels is “meal prep,” it all counts.

Proceeds will help fund United Way initiatives right here in Pettis County, supporting everything from early childhood education to emergency assistance. So while you’re enjoying that asiago cheese bagel (which we can all acknowledge is the best kind), you can feel good knowing you’re making a difference .  And without even having to share your cookie.

To participate, just mention the fundraiser when you order in-store or use the promo code FUND4U when ordering online or in the Panera app. It’s kindness, with carbs.  Which is like, ten times better.

Mark your calendars, gather your coworkers, and tell grandma to skip making dinner that night. On July 11, Sedalia’s Panera isn’t just baking bread.  They’re building a better community. One sandwich at a time.

Toastingly yours,
Behka