FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Avalanche Bakes Bread on Thanksgiving to Benefit Community Agency

November 20, 2010

Athens, Ohio – On Thanksgiving Day, Avalanche Pizza Bakers will open to sell over 500 loaves of bread, including fougasse, flatbreads, rolls, croissants, ciabatta, baguettes and pizzas. All proceeds will benefit United Appeal of Athens County, which distributes funds to 12 local agencies in Athens County, the poorest county in Ohio.

 “This is our fourth year, and if last year was any indication, we’ve got a lot of baking to do,” said John Gutekanst, Owner of Avalanche Pizza Bakers. In 2009, the company sold out of all rolls within 45 minutes. The baguettes and ciabatta were gone in an hour.  “At 6 a.m., last year, I heard a knock on the front door. When I opened it, I saw a line that extended around our building,” Said Gutekanst. Last year’s baking netted over $2000 dollars for United Appeal. “Every year I’m pleasantly surprised at the way people came together for this great cause. All we’re doing is the baking. It’s the people of Athens who are always there to help,” he said.

This year, Avalanche will incorporate locally grown spelt into every one of its loaves and even the croissants. John said, “This grain is very popular; we’ve sold over 700 pounds of it in the last month so it just seems right to include a local product.” Doors open at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and will stay open until all baked goods are gone.

Every Thanksgiving for 4 years, Avalanche has raised monies for United Appeal, which supports Athens County Chapter American Red Cross, Athens County Food Pantry, The Gathering Place, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens County, COAD, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Family Healthcare, Inc., Girl Scouts Black Diamond Council, Athens County Habitat for Humanity, HAVAR, Tri-County Mental Health & Counseling, United Seniors of Athens County. For more information, see http://www.unitedappeal.org.

Avalanche Pizza Bakers located at 329 East State Street, in Athens Ohio. The pizzeria is an 8-time winner of national and International pizza awards, including the coveted “Best Pizza in the U.S.A.” at the World Pizza Championships in Italy. For more information, see http://www.avalanchepizza.net.

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