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Donors Give Ferguson Bakery More Than $90,000 To Repair Vandalized Shop

Paul Conner Executive Editor
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It’s time for some good news out of Ferguson, Missouri.

Donors from across the country have given more than $90,000 to support a local bakery that was damaged during Monday night’s violent riots after the Darren Wilson grand jury announcement.

[UPDATE, 11/27/14 10:45 a.m.: The total money given has surpassed $220,000.]

The bakery, Natalie’s Cake’s & More, is owned by Natalie Dubose and sits at 100 S. Florissant Road in Ferguson. Vandals broke the shop’s main windows and damaged the baking materials late Monday and early Tuesday after officials announced that the police officer who killed 18-year-old Michael Brown would not be indicted.

Two people who heard of Dubose’s plight on Twitter started fundraising for her to repair the damage. One is David Swingle, and the other is Kristine Froeba.

Dubose described the damage in an interview with Fox2 News in St. Louis.

“There was actually an eyewitness there. He actually lives in one of the buildings next to my cake shop, and he witnessed a few of the protesters attempting three different times to bust my windows out,” she said.

But Dubose has vowed to stay in Ferguson. “I’ve invested everything into my business. I can’t go anywhere. I’m not going to go anywhere.”

“It’s really sad, because they didn’t just affect us, they affected our children,” she continued. “A lot of us, this is our only means of income, our businesses.”

In a note on the Go Fund Me fundraising website, Dubose expressed her gratitude to her supporters and donors:

“Hello, I’m Natalie Dubose of Ferguson, Missouri. I’m a small business owner with a cake shop and a bakery dream.

“First, I would thank everyone for their warm wishes, empathy, and support during this crazy difficult time.

“I would love to write more, and will try soon, but my business is so behind right now.

“My shop, which had it’s grand opening this summer was vandalized in the riots.

“My main windows were smashed and bakery damaged. I’m beside myself, but with the holidays, can’t stop working.

“I’m very busy cleaning and trying to repair my business. I’m also trying to catchup on baking cakes for Thanksgiving!

“I promise to update this later. I’m truly mixing batter right now. I began baking and selling cakes at local flea markets, slowly saving money to start my small business.

“I LOVE TO BAKE !!!

“It was my dream and I’m working hard to accomplish that dream.

“The outpouring of support on Twitter, Facebook, and in the media has been amazing. I was in tears.

“It was suggested that I start this account by a new friend and here it is. I do need help to rebuild and create a website, so any donations would be a huge assistance.

“I’m not sure where to find the money to repair my little bakery. But, even if you just stopped by to say hello. Thank You !!!!

“I’ve never felt such love.

“Thank You !!!

“Natalie”

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Tags : ferguson
Paul Conner