Milwaukee-area bakeries donate Pi Day sales to support Ukraine

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- March 14 is known as National Pi Day, but this year is different because local bakeries are uniting for Ukraine on this day.

Three dollars and 14 cents is making a big difference in bakeries across the state who are participating in the 'Pi for Peace' effort put together by the Wisconsin Bakers Association.

A portion of sales, $3.14, from several bakeries Monday will go to the Ukrainian Red Cross.

"They came up with this idea, the Pi for Peace timing-wise with Pi Day being today, and then just thinking that this would be a good opportunity to do something to raise some funds for the people in the Ukraine," said Jessica Hoover, the executive director of Wisconsin Bakers Association.

It was an opportunity bakeries like National Bakery and Deli said they couldn't miss out on.

"This is what we do every day. We're making pies and cookies and this can be part of our small way of helping out what's going on over there," said Briant Krauss, co-owner of National Bakery and Deli.

"We're so lucky in this country and there's some issues going on there that they really need some help," said Linda Hrdina, a customer of National Bakery and Deli.

Many like Hrdina made their way to their local bakery to support the cause as well as celebrate Pi Day. Pies were selling out quickly  across the state.

"What's normally a slower day on a Monday in a bakery world has created some good traffic, and we've even had some people come in and just make sure to have donations for the cause, which is just a great response," said Krauss.

"I saw on Facebook that they're selling Ukrainian cookies and that was the first thing that brought me in, and then today's Pi Day too, so my mother wanted some cherry pie," said Hrdina.

National Bakery and Deli is also selling Ukrainian themed cookies that will benefit the Ukrainian Red Cross. Krauss said they've sold hundreds of them. This is part of many ongoing efforts happening across the world to give back to Ukraine during this difficult time.

"Our members want to help, and it really is an organization that cares about everyone else in their communities, and I think our members just want to extend that same level of care and concern to the community that is over in Ukraine and everything that they're going through," said Hoover.

For a full list of business that are participating, click here. 

You can also donate to the cause on the Wisconsin Bakers Association website, by clicking here. 

National Bakery & Deli

For Pi Day (3/14), which falls on Monday, March 14, National Bakery is donating $3.14 from every pie sale to the Ukraine Red Cross. In addition, 50% of all Ukrainian Flag cookies will also be donated. 

Rocket Baby Bakery in Wauwatosa, WI ·

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross of Ukraine through the Wisconsin Bakers Association Pi for Peace fundraiser. 

The Cupcake-A-Rhee

Monday 3/14 Pi Day! Dutch Apple, Lemon Cream and Peanut Butter Cheesecake Pie available starting at 10 a.m., while supplies last. $20 each, with $3.14 from each pie going to Red Cross of Ukraine.

MOR Bakery & Cafe is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

This week at #MORBakeryMKE we are joining #PiForPeace and the #WisconsinBakingAssociation in supporting #Ukraine #RedCross by donating a percentage of MOR’s weekly #Preorder sales.

This is not an exclusive list of bakeries supporting Wisconsin's Baking Association or the Red Cross of Ukraine.