2020
2020 was a challenging year to say the least. From the coronavirus pandemic, to the devastating California wildfires, 2020 kept throwing obstacles. While so much transpired, we wanted to take a moment, reflect, and share important highlights of 2020.
March
On March 17th, 2020, Santa Cruz County was placed under a Shelter in Place order in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Several businesses were forced to close their doors to the public, restaurants were only allowed to serve to-go orders, and toilet paper was nearly impossible to find. There were so many unknowns at the time, but we watched as our world began to adapt to a new “normal”.
Luckily, we were able to keep our ovens on and serve to-go orders. Social distancing was implemented and all public surfaces were sanitized hourly to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
April
In response to the Santa Cruz County Shelter in Place order, Ride Out The Wave was launched in an effort to support our local businesses. It’s basically a directory for purchasing gift cards to Santa Cruz County businesses. Gift cards to participating businesses are available for purchase online and can be sent directly to the recipient (or to yourself). Purchasing gift cards may seem small, but it is such a great way to help small businesses!
June
On June 19th, we joined bakers all across the country for a virtual bake sale with Bakers Against Racism. Bakers Against Racism is an organization that has brought THOUSANDS of bakers together to put an end to racial inequality.
This virtual bake sale raised nearly $2 million for social justice causes worldwide! Proceeds from our bake sale were donated to The Color of Change: an organization that challenges injustice and advances solutions for racial justice.
Graphic owned by Rob Rubba and Bakers Against Racism
August
We reached quite the milestone in August: our 40th Anniversary! While we wish we could have a big party to celebrate, we shared some throwback photos on social media and celebrated with you virtually! Here are some sweet comments:
- “My favorite stop downtown! When I was little I would save my quarter to get a cookie and milk after ballet class!” – Cayce Ellison
- “Congrats to Pacific Cookie Company for creating a vision that would become part of Santa Cruz history!” – Michele Trgovac
- “We love you so much! Your family is such a special part of the fabric of our downtown and our Santa Cruz community! So grateful for you!” – Dell Williams Jewelers (this may or may not have made me ugly cry like Kim Kardashian)
Pacific Cookie Company, December 1980
September
Our Santa Cruz mountains were devastated by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire which burned over 86,000 acres during August and September. Thousands were evacuated from their homes and nearly 1,500 structures were destroyed.
While several businesses were suffering from effects of the coronavirus pandemic, our community rallied together in response to this tragedy. We, alongside numerous Santa Cruz businesses, held fundraisers to support those affected. It only made sense to title our campaign, “We Love Santa Cruz” and donate proceeds of our “Surf City Sweets Tower” to local fire relief funds. In just one week, we sold out of our towers and raised $5,000!
Surf City Sweets Cookie Gift Tower
December
The holidays are particularly a busy time for us (we have learned that cookies and Christmas go quite well together). We always have so much fun being little elves and putting together your orders!
Since families did not gather this year due to the pandemic, many of you decided to send cookies to your loved ones…and your support did not go unnoticed! We are SO grateful for every single order. Our only wish was to be able to add a smile to your loved ones’ face on what may have been a difficult holiday.
Simple Wishes Cookie Gift Box
2021
As we start the new year, we can only hope for a brighter 2021. Thank you for supporting our bakery during a difficult year. The shop local movement has kept us going and we ask that you continue to support your local bakeries, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, grocery markets, and other small businesses. There are still many hurdles to jump over, but what we have learned is that our community is resilient. Thank you!
