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Socially Responsible Leader, Dancing Deer Baking Co. Wins 'Innovator of the Year' Award
Socially Responsible Leader, Dancing Deer Baking Co. Wins 'Innovator of the Year' Award
Published 09-06-06
Submitted by Dancing Deer Baking Company
The Boston Business Journal today awarded Dancing Deer Baking Company the Innovator Award in corporate philanthropy for their ability to build a successful program with a philanthropic partner and their effectiveness in making a difference in the Greater Boston community. "The Summit will convene the region's business and civic leaders to discuss and share best practices regarding philanthropy and community engagement of the local business community" said Michael Olivieri, Publisher of the Boston Business Journal. The competition included small to mid-size companies as well as Fortune 500 companies, and only 90 companies from the greater Boston community received nominations. Dancing Deer was selected for this award along with only eight other companies by a panel of professionals spanning the business, education and non-profit sectors.
The Innovator Award is the most recent accolade for the natural foods company that has received public acclaim for their fresh baked products, community activism, and artful and environmental packaging. Their whimsical illustrations have helped Dancing Deer become a nationally recognized brand since they began in a pizza parlor 12 years ago. The Deers will be lauded today for The Sweet Home Project, which funnels 35% of the retail price of a line of cakes and cookies to fund programs to move families out of homelessness and in to stable lives.
Dancing Deer worked collaboratively with One Family, Inc., a not-for-profit founded by Reebok's CEO Paul Fireman and his wife Phyllis, to create the Sweet Home Project in 2001. Since then, thousands of dollars have been spent to fund scholarships, housing and other solutions for hundreds of homeless families. Dancing Deer is exploring ways to expand the program nationally.
The Sweet Home Project is but one piece of a socially responsible mission that Dancing Deer embraces. Located in Boston's inner city, Dancing Deer has built a notably diverse workforce that is representative of Boston's changing urban fabric. Unusual policies include employee ownership, incentive performance bonuses, flexible work schedules, paid sick days, and a medical benefits package that includes part time workers. In addition, Dancing Deer is committed to making packaging choices that are honest and environmental. While cash donations are made exclusively through the Sweet Home Line, Dancing Deer donates thousands of cookies each year to non-profits in New England who are spreading good karma. "I am proud of our good works at Dancing Deer. Whether it's the Sweet Home Project or helping an individual walk in to Dancing Deer with no skills, and walk out the door with a career, we're helping people who need it" said Trish Karter, Dancing Deer CEO/President.
Dancing Deer is a member of the Social Venture Network.
The Deers will make their annual visit to 25 homeless shelters in the Greater Boston area beginning on October 26th to make gingerbread houses with over a thousand mothers and children. All are invited to attend, details at www.dancingdeer.com/sweethome.
About Dancing Deer Baking Company
Dancing Deer Baking Co. is a company of people who are passionate about food, nature, aesthetics and community. Known for their yummy, all-natural, fresh-baked, kosher, shipped-to-order goodies, the Deers bake with lots of flavor and love. Widely recognized for distinctive products and packaging as well as innovative business practices, Dancing Deer is a woman-owned enterprise located in Boston's inner city. All employees are stakeholders. Dancing Deer has won many national awards and accolades. Products are available at www.dancingdeer.com or 1-888-699-DEER.
