Bakery ingredient leader BakeMark has announced the launch of a new charity campaign titled the Home BakeMark Challenge Charity. This new campaign is designed to support the small business owners who operate independent bakeries and donut shops, who are facing the challenges of maintaining their business during this crisis.

The campaign officially kicked off on Sunday, April 12, and will run for eight weeks, ending on Saturday, June 6. Through the Home BakeMark Challenge Charity, BakeMark is encouraging all bakeries and donut shops to participate by assembling at-home decorating kits for families to purchase and take home as a fun family activity. Families that participate and decorate donuts or cupcakes are encouraged to post their creations on Facebook or Instagram, tagging BakeMark and using the hashtag #homebakemarkchallenge. Every week, BakeMark will review the pictures posted and select a family that will win $500. Each winning family will also have the chance to name a local healthcare facility to receive a $500 donation.

“The independent bakeries and donut shops are the heart of the baking industry. As the leading partner to these small business owners, we’re doing what we can to support them and our local communities during this challenging time,” says David Lopez, director of marketing for BakeMark. “While families and bakery-lovers are staying home, we wanted to introduce a way for the families across North America to enjoy a fun, at-home activity with a sweet reward. Families that participate in this social media challenge can win some additional cash and also direct donations to the local healthcare facility of their choice. It’s our way of letting them know we care and that we’d like to say thank you for helping keep our communities safe and happy.”

To promote the campaign, BakeMark will be distributing free posters for small business owners to post at their locations. Bakeries and donut shops who wish to participate are asked to reach out to their local BakeMark branch or receive more information by visiting BakeMark’s website or sending an email to information@bakemark.com.

This new campaign is the latest of efforts recently implemented by BakeMark to support the industry during the coronavirus pandemic, especially independent bakeries and donut shops. Since early March, BakeMark has been sharing best practices and support resources for promoting safe and sanitary shops. Through its website, social media and free posters, BakeMark has been helping small business owners promote the CDC guidelines for washing hands, social distancing and staying home, in addition to promoting take-out, curbside and delivery services for thousands of bakery operators across the United States and Canada.