For over a decade, two tireless ovens have been the beating heart of Bridge Bread Bakery, quietly transforming flour and water into more than just bread. These ovens—our faithful Garland and Southbend—have baked thousands of loaves that nourished not only bodies but also spirits, laying down a foundation of hope, purpose, and dignity for individuals experiencing homelessness in St. Louis.
Much like our beloved founder Fred Domke, these ovens have given their all. Since their arrival in 2014, generously donated to support our mission, they’ve empowered our bakers with stable employment and a path to a brighter future. Their warmth has been more than physical—it’s been symbolic of the compassion and opportunity Bridge Bread stands for.
A Time for Change
After years of dedicated service, our ovens became unreliable, temperamental, and costly to maintain. Their legacy is undeniable, but just as Fred Domke steps into retirement, leaving behind a profound impact, so too must our ovens make way for the next generation of baking.
Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we received our new ovens! Each one weighed nearly 900 pounds, and getting them inside was no small feat. The delivery driver got them as close to the back door as possible, but lifting them up an 8-inch step from the alley proved challenging.
Teamwork in Action
After several failed attempts and a lot of creative thinking, Sharon had a spark of genius: a lift jack from Walmart. It looked just like Mike’s motorcycle jack, so he ran home and grabbed it, and the team got to work. With the help of the jack, a furniture dolly, and the brute strength of Anthony and Jean, we finally got the ovens through the door—a true team effort!
Now, we’re preparing for installation, with a commercial installer scheduled to assess the setup. The hardest part? Stacking one oven on top of the other. But if we’ve learned anything, it’s that with teamwork and determination, no challenge is too great.
Why Your Support Matters
These new ovens represent more than upgraded equipment. They symbolize:
- Continued Employment: Our bakers can keep their jobs and sharpen their skills.
- Uninterrupted Production: We can meet demand and expand our reach.
- Efficiency: Lower energy costs and consistent quality.
- Fred’s Legacy Lives On: The spirit of Bridge Bread continues to uplift and empower.
