When the new Krispy Kreme opened its doors in Palmetto Bay for its grand opening on Monday, Mar. 7, it didn’t just launch a new location for the popular food franchise, it also benefited the local Easter Seals organization in several ways.
Present for the special ceremony at 16851 S. Dixie Hwy. were James Cosentino, owner, and his daughter Marialana Lococo, vice president of operations; Luanne K. Welch, president of Easter Seals South Florida, and a number of students who participated in a cooking event.
Lococo explained how it came about.
“We initially put out a notice of ‘Bake the Cake’ for the store, and when people responded, we found out they were special needs kids, so we brought them into it so they could come here and really feel good about what they do at the culinary part of their school,” Lococo said.
A check also was given to Easter Seals by James and Marialana to assist the work of Easter Seals.
Welch was pleased by the donation and even more by the fact that the students were able to participate in the event.
“Just like its brand promises to do, Krispy Kreme created a lot of joy at Easter Seals South Florida by including our kids in this grand opening event,” Welch said. “Our culinary arts high school students were delighted to design and create Krispy Kreme doughnut cakes and participate in the celebration.
“We are grateful for Krispy Kreme’s monetary donation, too. Easter Seals relies on this kind of community engagement and support to help us make small miracles happen every day for children and adults with disabilities at Easter Seals.”
Welch explained that the mission of Easter Seals South Florida is to provide exceptional services so that people with autism, Alzheimer’s and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in the community.
Helping to welcome the new Krispy Kreme to Palmetto Bay were Mayor Shelley Stanczyk and Councilmembers Joan Lindsay and Howard J. Tendrich. Mayor Stanczyk presented the owners with a proclamation from the village.
“After many years of offering sweet treats to South Florida doughnut lovers at the Tamarac, Ft. Lauderdale, and North Miami locations, Krispy Kreme in South Florida has served the shops’ local communities with pride and enthusiasm,” Stanczyk said.
“Organizations, schools, churches, and agencies throughout the greater South Florida region use Krispy Kreme’s fundraising program to generate contributions to fund a variety of projects and initiatives. Even prior to opening their doors to the public in Palmetto Bay, Krispy Kreme has so generously opened relations with this community by supporting various village functions including the 2010 State of the Village, the grand opening of Thalatta Estate, and the 2011 Celebration Picnic.”
Stanczyk officially proclaimed Monday, Mar. 7, 2011 as Krispy Kreme Day.
Turning on its “Hot Now” light for the first time, the new Krispy Kreme made available to Palmetto Bay neighborhood residents classic treats like Original Glazed doughnuts, refreshing Chillers, hot coffee, fresh bagels and hearty oatmeal.
“We’re glad to be here,” Lococo said. “We had an awesome opening week, better than our expectations. We’re very happy that the public has received us and made it such a great success. We plan on being here for a long time and we love being involved in the community.
“We do a lot of charity events, and people can now do fundraising through here to raise money for their organization. We’re happy to be a part of this community and to create Krispy Kreme ‘magic moments’ for the people who haven’t tried our hot glazed donuts before.”
For more information on Easter Seals, visit www.southflorida.easterseals.com.
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