'The generosity has come through': Gifting treats new trend to keep businesses alive

REDMOND, Wash. -- A lot of businesses are struggling with the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington, but the generosity of the community is helping the bottom line for at least one of them.

PinkaBella Cupcakes' struggles, like so many others, began in the last couple weeks when the business was hit hard by big event and auction cancellations and staff had to be let go.

“We have had to cut back hours and lay people off," said Margo Enberg, founder & CEO of PinkaBella. "It's been really difficult, sad and hard.”

But then a couple days ago something happened that turned everything around.

Customers began requesting large orders of cupcakes for their community - nurses, firefighters, teachers and more.

“The people that are doing these orders are keeping us alive,” said Enberg. “The generosity of these has really come through.”

Generosity emerged at the Eastside-based business in so many ways. A teacher came in and bought a cup cake and delivered an envelope.

“He wrote a really nice note that said, 'Hang in there and big hugs' and he gave us a $100," she said.

Teachers have donated on Venmo and orders have continued coming in.

“I’m delivering (Monday) the staff at Children’s Hospital; I’m delivering Tuesday to staff at Overlake Hospital,” she added.

Enberg is hopeful Governor Jay Inslee’s temporary shutdown of restaurants he announced Sunday evening won’t hinder the new trend of gifting treats.

“The good news is we do have delivery and we will continue to deliver for free," she said, adding that includes curbside pick-up.

According to the governor’s office, restaurants will still be allowed to provide take-out and delivery services, but no in-person dining will be permitted.

“I can tell you right now as much as I should be completely stressed out, my heart is really happy,” said Enberg.

PinkaBella is also looking at ways that they serve their community by utilizing their commercial kitchen to provide delivery meals to families and students at cost.