This October marks the 10th anniversary of Gwen’s Bagels, an initiative started by MSU Bakers to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The on-campus bakery at Michigan State University has sold more than 51,000 of these pink vegetarian bagels since introducing the program.
Gwen’s Bagels help recognize breast cancer survivors and honor the memory of victims. Throughout October each year they’re made from scratch by MSU Bakers' Rita Lyon, whose mother Gwen, the namesake of the bagels, passed away in 1972 of breast cancer.
Rita has been a baker on campus for 20 years, and she personally developed the recipe. She’s grateful for the support received over the years and thankful to those who have purchased Gwen’s Bagels.
“Looking back at the past 10 years of the campaign, and beyond, I’m so proud to be a part of this team,” Lyon shared. “Words cannot express what this means to myself and my family.”
Since the campaign began in 2009, nearly $3,000 has been donated to support the cause. The MSU Bakers team is looking to the community to help to further the success of the initiative.
“Our team looks forward to this every fall,” expressed Cindy Baswell, MSU Bakers manager. “We’re honored to help strengthen the fight against breast cancer and commemorate Rita’s mother. We couldn’t do it without the support of our customers, who help raise awareness and spread the campaign across campus.”
From Oct. 1-31, Gwen’s Bagels can be purchased online at msubakers.com [msubakers.com] or by calling 517-353-9310. A half-dozen bagels are sold for $6.50 and $1 from every order will be donated to the American Cancer Society. On-campus delivery is available, as well as pickup from MSU Bakers' customer service area at 220 Service Road in East Lansing.
Every Wednesday in October, deemed “Gwensday Wednesdays,” the bagels will be sold at Sparty’s convenience stores and cafés, and served in MSU’s residential dining halls alongside additional pink bakery items including cupcakes with ribbon sprinkles. On Gwensday Wednesdays, MSU Bakers’ team members also wear pink shirts in support of the campaign and in memory of Gwen Lyon.
MSU Bakers has been proudly serving the university community for more than 40 years. Operated by the Department of Culinary Services within the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services, MSU Bakers is the premier source to meet all your bakery needs. For more information, visit msubakers.com [msubakers.com] or eatatstate.com [eatatstate.com].
Source: Press Release
