Panera sets fundraiser for Crestview church's kids group

CRESTVIEW — Customers at Crestview's Panera Bakery-Café on March 12 can help send local children to summer camp.

After taking a youth group to CentriKid Camp last summer, Live Oak Baptist Church children’s choir director Alex Andrews was looking for a way to fund camp fees for even more children.

He pitched his idea to Panera manager Jesse Wise.

“It’s something that we would be really interested in being a part of,” Wise said. “It helps out the entire community."

Donations will be allocated as follows:

•10-30 fliers redeemed: 10 percent of the benefit's sales

•31-49 fliers redeemed: 15 percent

•50 or more fliers: 20 percent

CentriKid Camps integrate Bible study and “time alone with God,” with typical summer camp activities such as archery, basketball, soccer, “wet and wild,” drama and art. Girls also participate in an activity with no boys allowed.

Andrews hopes to raise $6,500, which would allow him to take 15 kids to the Norman, Ga., camp.

Wise anticipates Panera being involved with more fundraisers. When he managed the café in Mary Esther, he said he averaged three fundraisers a week for local non-profits. 

WANT TO HELP?

WHAT:Live Oak Baptist Church CentriKid Camp Fundraiser

WHEN:4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 12

WHERE:Panera Bread Bakery-Café, 2670 Ferdon Blvd. S.

NOTES:Supporters must present the event flier for a portion of the evening’s proceeds to be donated to sending 15 children to summer camp. Download the flier here>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Panera sets fundraiser for Crestview church's kids group