A group of pastry chefs will be holding a pop-up shop for Easter on April 4th from 10am-3pm at 3001 Gaston Ave at the Big E’s store. This pop-up is extra special because they are all including something to donate to a charity of their choice.
Bark Chocolate is sponsoring DFW German Shepherd Rescue as the charity they will be donating to. More specifically, to a particular dog named Jake, who was surrendered by his owners in extremely poor condition. He will need a lot of vet care and TLC until he’s healed enough to be available for adoption. Bark will be selling organic dog treats and 100% of the proceeds will go to Jake’s vet bills. Additionally, they will have a donation jar set up for him, and people are welcome to bring dog toys for Jake as well.
“This organization is special to me because I have a German shepherd named Miracle who I love more than anything in the world. I also donate to DFW Rescue Me because I love all animals so much. I’m donating to a fundraiser for DFW Rescue Me this week so the pop-up will be just be for Jake”, said Kay Priore, Bark owner.
Bark Chocolate will also be selling the full line of bark flavors and a few new Easter flavors like white chocolate with rainbow marshmallows and rainbow chocolate covered sunflower seeds, Chocolate covered strawberries, homemade cherry and vanilla marshmallows, and more. Everything Priore makes is with love, light, miracles, and positive intention.
In addition to Bark, there will be more vendors selling Easter treats and gifts, and all have a charitable bent. We have a list:.
Sucre Sucre by Lucia will be offering assorted macarons including Passion Fruit, Lemon, Pistachio, Salted Caramel, and more. Her charity choice is Emily’s place which is the only long-term transitional housing facility for domestic violence survivors in Collin County. Emily’s Place seeks to break the cycle of domestic violence for women and their children by providing “transformational” living with emphasis on emotional healing and life-skills training to ensure a successful, self-sustaining future.
Emily’s Place is not a shelter, which typical allows women to stay for 30-90 days. Rather, it is a “transformational” housing ministry based on a 24-month stay commitment which promotes stability and wise choices. For victims of domestic violence, Emily’s Place is the bridge from the shelter back into the community.
Lucia will be accepting donations as well as items needed for Emily’s place including baby wipes, diapers size 5, boys toys 2-8, summer clothes for women (can be gift card), paper towels, cleaners, body wash, trash bags, and hand soap.
Lucia’s macarons can be found at Kate Weiser Chocolate, Artizone, and ordered online directly through her website.
Val’s Cheesecakes will be offering a variety of cheesecake flavors includng their Lemmon Ave, Pink Strawberry & Brisket
The charity of choice is Body & Soul. They provide meals, clothing and words of encouragement for the homeless community in Dallas that may have been knocked down, but are not considered out. Val’s will offer a $1 discount to every customer that buys a flight of 3 jars and those proceeds will go to Body and Soul. Val’s will also be available to accept larger donations and provide more information for any one who wants to get involved.
Body and Soul operates out of the kitchen of St. Paul United Methodist Church, and it is the same kitchen Val’s uses. They have a mutual respect for each others mission.
Val’s Cheesecakes will be opening its on store at 3902 Maple Ave This summer.
Dallas Caramel Company will be selling all 13 flavors of caramel and all 3 types of turtles. Also, Dallas Caramel will have a cocoa-caramel cookie sandwich to sell. Rain at Dallas Caramel calls it the D5 -Dallas Caramel Company cocoa-caramel cookie.
Dallas Caramel charity of choice is Operation Homefront, a national non-profit. 93% of their profits already go directly to their programs. Operation Homefront is a collaborative team of exceptional staff and volunteers that aspire to become the provider of choice for emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. Where there is a need they do not provide, Operation Honefront will partner with others for the benefit of our military families.
“The military is important to me because they are willing to do what I’m not – put their life on the line for my freedoms and protect our country,” said Rain McDermott, Dallas Caramel owner.
Elise Pottery and Artwork will be selling hand thrown pottery that she’s made. It is midrange porcelain and red stoneware fired in a reduction gas kiln. Her charity for this pop-up is the Arlington Police Foundation which raises money for families of fallen officers and other community events that they host as well as youth programs. She will be donating 25% of all sales to the foundation.
“My Dad is a retired police Sargent and now teaches at a Police Academy. I grew up in the department and spent lots of time hanging out there after school as a child. I wanted to choose a charity that has a significance to me and who I am and the Arlington Police Foundation seemed like a great choice”.
Emily with Pie Bird Services will have plenty of pies including Lemon Meringue and Chocolate Cream, mini pies, by the slice and a couple of whole pies. This vendor is supporting the NAMI Dallas Chapter (National Alliance for Mental Illness)
“Over the summer I lost my cousin who struggled with mental illness his entire adult life. This organization was so helpful to him during his rough patches and has been great to my aunt and uncle since he died”.
Rana with Miss Naughty Brownie will give 10% of her sales to The Matty Fund, plus offer a donation box so that others may step up the effort. Rana will be selling brownies which will have three layers of cookie dough on the bottom, Oreos in the middle and fudgy brownie on top. Note that Rana also delivers all over the Metroplex and ships nationwide.
“My sister in law suffers from epilepsy since high school, so I will be supporting the The Matty Fund that It is dedicated to providing aid for Epilepsy research and education, Epilepsy awareness through educational programs and annual scholarships to high school seniors diagnosed with Epilepsy”.
The Matty Fund provides family resources, raises awareness, promotes patient safety and improves the quality of life for children and families living with epilepsy.
Correction, Val’s Cheesecake will be moving into their own space at 3906 Maple Ave. and we are excited to have them as a neighbor!