By Janine Crowley Haynes
It was a beautiful evening last Wednesday for the Greyston Foundation’s 2016 Gala held at Chef Peter Kelly’s X2O Xaviar’s on the Hudson. Approximately 250 people came out in support of the Foundation and over $275,000 was raised. Greyston Bakery, located in Southwest Yonkers, is known for its decadent baked goods. The Bakery delivers to Ben & Jerry’s 35,000 pounds of brownies and blondies that go into its various ice cream flavors. Their baked goods are also sold at Whole Foods as well as on their website greyston.com.
Greyston Bakery is not your ordinary bakery. It’s known, in particular, for its Open Hiring policy wherein Greyston has a fundamental commitment to social justice…in which individuals are offered employment regardless of educational attainment, work history, incarceration, or past social barriers. Anyone with a positive attitude and strong work ethic is given a chance to transform their life for the better.
Open Hiring was the main theme of all the speeches given. Greyston Bakery employee Charles Jones gave a heartfelt speech about how his life was turned around and put on a path of success because of the opportunities and programs offered by the Greyston Foundation.
The Greyston Foundation provides various programs including job training, housing, and childcare—all intended to support and uplift its employees and their families and help them become self-sufficient and thrive, not just in the workplace, but in their personal lives as well.
This year, Greyston honored Founder of Charter School of Educational Excellence Sobeida Cruz and Westchester County Legislator Ken Jenkins. In attendance, were various local business owners who’ve supported Greyston and its business model of Open Hiring. Among them, President and CEO Peter Mollo and Howard Rosenzweig of Crown Products. Crown has hired a few of Greyston’s former employees.
Chappaqua resident Dr. Lydia Evans has been a longtime supporter of Greyston and its unique approach to education and employment. “There are many creative paths to success and, sometimes, alternative tracks provide the best outcome,” says Evans.
To learn more about Greyston Bakery and the Greyston Foundation and its mindful business practices, click here: http://theinsidepress.com/greyston-bakery-implementing-mindful-business-strategies-since-1982/
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