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Kings' Cake Proceeds Donated to 911 Fund

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — As we near the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Kings Super Markets here has partnered with the 911 Fund this summer to raise funds for New York firefighters and enhance emergency management and preparedness.

Kings' customers have the opportunity to donate to the 911 Fund by buying an 8-inch, round “God Bless America Cake” when they shop in any of the 24-unit chain's stores throughout the month of July.

All proceeds from the cake sales, up to $50,000, will go directly to the fund.

The 911 Fund was conceived by former members of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). Their efforts are voluntary and unpaid.

The “God Bless America” cake was designed by Kings' director of bakery sales and merchandising, Kenneth Downey Sr.

Retailing for $7.99, the 20-ounce cakes, in vanilla or chocolate, are decorated with red, white and blue icing, and the words, “God Bless America.”

Downey told SN how the cake project evolved, and stressed that the suppliers involved have donated their time and products and that they want to remain anonymous.

“I was approached by one of our major cake suppliers [who said] that their company wanted to make a rather large donation to the 911 Fund,” Downey said. “They asked me if Kings was interested in partnering with them to sell cakes and donate the entire retail price to the fund … and I jumped all over it.”

It was Downey's decision to launch the cake project on the Fourth of July weekend.

“Our circular breaks on Fridays, so I thought it was appropriate.”

Downey said he got his decoration supplier involved and they agreed to donate 7,500 “God Bless America” cake plaques. Then he contacted his distributor, who agreed to warehouse and deliver the cakes to all the chain's stores at no charge.

“Everybody just wanted to get involved and help! It was amazing.”