Yes, that bag of bagels from Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen and those peanut butter miso cookies from Funky Flame can help save lives. At least, that’s the sentiment behind the Pro Roe Bake Sale, launching its fourth iteration at Infinite Monkey Theorem (IMT) this Sunday starting at 10 a.m.
“You have dozens of volunteers, restaurants and bakeries, donating their time and goods,” said the event co-founder Sarah Abell. “How lucky we are in Colorado to have reproductive rights, and we will keep fighting for that as long as we need to.”
The proceeds of the Pro Roe Bake Sale go directly to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. All the goods and services are provided by local restaurants, bakeries, and volunteers. So far, there’s over 25 places participating, including Rebel Bread, Moxie Bread Co., Annette, Rioja, Dry Storage, and more. This also includes IMT, which will be selling wine throughout the event.
Expect an array of goodies to take home, most for $5. On the savory side Noisette will sell jamon beurre sandwiches, Tavernetta has roasted veggie and pesto sandwiches, and Black Box Bakery plans to make Cheez-it croissants. Get down with a chai sticky bun via Pizzeria Alberico, five-spice vegan thumbprint cookies by MAKfam, and treats from the Pint’s Peak Ice Cream truck parked on the patio.
The Pro Roe Bake Sale remains successful thanks to organizers Abell, Katie Knoch, and Liliana Myers. Together they gather all these amazing bakers for charity and run the whole show. The idea, said Abell, stemmed from a pre-pandemic fundraiser dubbed Bakers Against Racism. Hosted by Safta in The Source in 2019, the main organizer was Myers, the restaurant’s then pastry chef. In turn, Myers got the idea from a Bon Appetit article and similar fundraiser thrown by a now closed restaurant. Abell and Knoch teamed with Myers in 2022, launching the first Pro Roe Bake Sale at IMT. The partnership with Planned Parenthood came along with that.
“It’s a good way to have conversations that might be hard to have with your family,” said Abell, mentioning the event is for all ages and great for families. That is, as long as you don’t mind waiting to get in. While the event starts at 10 a.m., people tend to start lining up much earlier. Popular venues tend to sell out of options fast. If your heart beats for one thing, get there early to score.
Once inside, buy $5 tickets with cash or a credit card. The tickets act as currency, and most stands sell goods for one ticket. The tickets can also be used to enter a raffle for awesome partner prizes. The recommended amount to spend is $25, but don’t worry if you run out, there’s always more for purchase. Remember to bring bags and containers as packaging varies and shopping bags aren’t provided.
“People who bring Tupperware, that’s a pro move,” said Myers. Or better yet, a “pro-roe move.” Either way, you can’t go wrong with a pile of delicious baked goods and a few hours of positive vibes, all while supporting women.
