2011: Cinnamon Rolls Fundraiser

Program Goal

The goal of The Junior League of St. Louis's Cinnamon Rolls Fundraiser is to revitalize a traditional project with a strong sense of JLSL history and provide a reliable source of funds.

Program Description

JLSL Cinnamon Rolls is a fundraiser originally developed by a dedicated group of Sustainers back in the 1940s.  In 1968 the League boasted a full service kitchen with paid kitchen staff dedicated to the production of the rolls.  After the League downsized in 2004 the League stopped production of the beloved cinnamon roll.  Eventually a group of dedicated members aimed to return the rolls as a source of revenue.  During this very challenging time in the League’s history, the Cinnamon Rolls provided valuable revenue at a crucial juncture.  The stable funds helped the League to weather the storm and implement necessary operational changes to move to a stable future.

Demand for the rolls increased. The Olin Business School at Washington University  conducted a study of their operation. It determined that the demand for the rolls had outpaced the production capacity of JLSL volunteers. The League was not able to make enough rolls to meet demand. If the fund raiser was to continue to grow, the use of an outside production source was necessary. Demand had outstripped the League’s capacity to produce the rolls. So far about one third of the production is handled by an outside bakery.  There are eleven vendors selling the rolls. During the peak holiday season about a third of the production is handled by an outside bakery.

Results/Outcomes

One outcome is that Provisionals, Active and Sustainers have worked together on this project and helped build a common sense of purpose. Aside from the baking shifts, members work together on marketing the rolls to the greater Saint Louis community and overseeing the operations of the endeavor. Friendships have developed and a sense of camaraderie was achieved.

The rolls provided a consistent source of revenue with eleven vendors selling the rolls throughout Saint Louis. These outside sales represented 75% of total revenue. The sale of the rolls, generated about $24,000 each year, and has grown to over $41,000 in 2010.

Evaluation

JLSL tracks revenue and expenses on a monthly basis. In 2008, revenue was about $23,000 and by 2010 grew to over $40,000.  During that same time period expenses were about $5,800 and grew slightly to $6,100.