Bread Fundraiser
Entrepreneur
Description
When I learned I had the opportunity to go on a humanitarian trip to Mérida, Mexico to help build a school, I knew I needed to raise the funds to get there. Instead of searching for an existing solution, I created one myself. Drawing on a bread recipe I had learned years earlier, I launched a small fundraiser, baking 40 loaves by hand and spreading the word throughout my community.
Through simple conversations, outreach, and sharing the purpose behind the project, people were eager to support the cause. In just one week, I raised $500.
Problem
The challenge was simple: I needed to raise money to participate in a humanitarian trip where I would help build a school—but there wasn’t an obvious or ready-made way to do it. Instead of letting the obstacle stop me, I looked for a solution I could create myself. The goal wasn’t just to earn the funds, but to do it in a way that reflected hard work, initiative, and the meaningful purpose behind the trip.
Solutions
Planning the Fundraiser
Determined pricing, quantities, and a one-week production timeline.
Established a baking schedule to ensure consistency, freshness, and timely delivery.
Prepared for ingredient sourcing, packaging, and delivery logistics.
Organized orders, tracked commitments, and ensured each loaf was delivered on time.
Producing the Bread
Baked 40 loaves by hand over the course of the week, maintaining quality and consistency.
Managed kitchen workflow efficiently to maximize output without compromising on quality.
Engaging the Community
Advertised the fundraiser through conversations, social media marketing, and word-of-mouth within my community.
Shared the purpose behind the project—supporting a humanitarian school-building effort—to help use experience marketing to others feel connected to the outcome.
Impact
Achieved fundraising goal within a short timeline
Strengthened community engagement through meaningful, purpose-driven outreach
Built confidence in planning and executing a self-initiated project
Demonstrated discipline and follow-through by producing and delivering every order
This project showed me how resourcefulness, clear communication, and hard work can turn a simple idea into meaningful support for a larger purpose.
Tools
Practical & Organizational Tools
Planning & scheduling for baking, packaging, and delivery
Order tracking to manage commitments and fulfill each request
Basic advertising methods, including word-of-mouth outreach and personal communication
Communication Tools
Relationship-building skills to engage community support
Follow-up communication to coordinate pickup and delivery details
