Bridge Bread Bakery 2024 Annual Report

Leadership & Governance

Strengthened leadership by separating the roles of Board President and Executive Director, improving governance.
Welcomed two new Board members: Naomi Lopez (AB Mauri) and Tom Noonan (Assisted Recovery Centers of America), enhancing financial and operational expertise.

Financial Performance

Achieved Net Income of $30,694, a decrease from 2023.
Sales declined by 9% primarily due to the loss of a major commercial account.
Cost of Goods Sold increased slightly, mainly due to a 3% increase in bakers’ wages.
Donations remained consistent, including $17,730 in grant income.
Operating expenses increased by 5%, primarily due to a 93% increase in the Baker’s Housing Incentive.

Facilities & Expansion

Successfully installed the high-efficiency heat pump HVAC system funded by the 2023 Gala.
Initiated planning for a new artisan bakery in the Delmar Loop, leveraging proceeds from the 2024 Gala.
Signed a Letter of Intent to lease property in the Delmar Loop from Washington University.
Closed the Cherokee Street Bake Shop for table service, focusing on online orders and pickup.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

Expanded partnerships with 5 new churches for consignment sales (Our Lady of Providence, Annunciation, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Thomas Holy Spirit, Ascension).
Increased Schnucks distribution from 10 to 14 stores.
Partnered with The Gathering UMC for consignment sales at their McCausland location.
Collaborated with Delmar Properties to secure housing for Bridge Bread bakers.
Actively engaged in community outreach, including presentations to the Archdiocese Peace & Justice Leaders, Southwest Area Chamber of Commerce, and Knights of Columbus.
Hosted various groups at the bakery, including SSM Health leadership, new pastors, and students.
Successfully recruited volunteers through a recruitment fair at Nerinx Hall High School.
Strengthened relationships with Wayne Crull and Gateway to Flourishing.
Manchester UMC significantly increased its Bridge Bread purchases, exceeding $20,000.

2024 Bread & Butter Gala

The Gala was a resounding success with 200 attendees.
Featured performances by Baker LaRon Riley and an address by Kitchen Supervisor Lance Armstead.
Keynote address delivered by The Gathering’s Lead Pastor Matt Miofsky.
Mary Caltrider (5 on Your Side) emceed, and Steve Harris (First Alert 4) served as auctioneer.
Key sponsors included AB Mauri, Busey Bank, Cregger Family Dentistry, Daugherty Systems, Hope United Church of Christ, Imperial Dade, Mercy, Plancorp Wealth Management, Steve Heeley-Financial Advisor-Edward Jones, Tania Interian Agency -State Farm.
Raised sufficient funds for the first phase of the new bakery in the Delmar Loop.

Program Impact

Refined the focus of baker employment from “Supportive Employment” to “Restorative Employment,” more accurately reflecting the program’s impact.
Increased the Baker’s Housing Incentive to address rising rental costs in the city.
Successfully housed three previously unhoused bakers through the partnership with Delmar Properties.
All Bridge Bread bakers are currently housed.
Significantly increased kitchen productivity from $24 to $37 per labor hour.

Product Development

Introduced several popular new products, including Gooey Butter Cake, pastries, yeast-raised donuts, Day-Nuts (fried Danish), and blueberry scones.