BAKERSFIELD, CA - Two things are evident from Wednesday morning's cinnamon roll drive to help the Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County. One, our community continues to be extremely generous. And two, apparently you can never have enough cinnamon rolls. The fundraiser sold out before it was set to end at 10 a.m. But, people who came helped shatter the goal of organizers.
ADAKC's goal was to raise $22,000 to help pay for services and build a new larger facility. As of now, they know they beat that by at least $2,000.
As the moon was setting, rolls were rising along with sweet-toothed supporters of the Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County.
"I missed it last year, and the family wanted some, and because it's for a good cause," said Robert Gonzales as his reason for arriving so early for the hot rolls.
Drivers wrapped around the block even before the drive began, hoping for a hot pan from Hodel's and to help out.
"Oh, this is a blessing. They don't realize just how much they are helping," said Sandy Morris, ADAKC board member, about the turnout.
Ten-thousand people in Kern County suffer from Alzheimer's and dementia.
This fundraiser will help ADAKC build a larger facility to help care for all of them with daily care programs to motivate their minds. Plus, it enables them to continue offering their caretakers support groups and a much needed break.
"Caregivers are often expiring long before the person with the disease because they don't take those breaks. They don't take care of themselves, so their health declines faster then the one with the disease," said Robin McGarrah with ADAKC.
With every order and extra donation, ADAKC was on a roll toward their goal.
"I came out to support this great organization, and besides cinnamon rolls are great at about eight in the morning," said Doug Deroo.
"It's been so busy! So many cars have been coming. It's been non-stop selling," said CSUB volunteer, Tamar Fowler.
More than 2,200 pans of the popular pastries sold out thanks to Hodel's donation. And, it's rewarding those lucky recipients for their generosity.
"I just want to thank Kern County for stepping up once again," said McGarrah.
Organizers still have to count credit card receipts. They think that will bump up their total to $26,000. They hope to have a final total Thursday.