Launched at the IBIE 2016, BNEF's fundraising campaign seeks participation from baking industry individuals and corporations alike.
 

The Baker’s National Education Foundation (BNEF), established by the original Bakery Ambassadors in the 1960s, this weekend announced a $3 million fundraising campaign to help replenish its reserves that support student recruitment, scholarships and endowment activities within the Grain Science and Industry Department at Kansas State University (KSU) in Manhattan, KS.

Launched at the IBIE 2016, the fundraising campaign seeks participation from baking industry individuals and corporations alike. It also invites participation from students.

“This is your way to invest in the future of our industry and the rewarding careers it supports,” said Jerry Emming, BNEF’s director of fundraising. He noted that the baking industry faces a workforce gap that not only threatens the supply of hourly staff but also diminishes the availability of supervisory and management level personnel.

The monies raised by BNEF enable a nationwide recruitment program for undergraduate and graduate students in the Bakery Science and Management program of the Grain Science and Industry Department at KSU. The KSU program offers the only four-year college degree in baking science, technology and management in the US.

Mr. Zelch expressed thanks for recent generous donations to BNEF from Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU). Ramon Rivera, BBU’s senior vice-president, operations, stated that he is aware of the positive benefits that KSU’s Baking Science and Management graduates have contributed to operations at BBU. Other recent donations have come from Cain Food Industries and the Schwebel Family Foundation. Go to www.bnef.net to view past donors.

For additional information about this campaign, contact Mr. Emming at [email protected], phone (816) 429-6384. Ron Zelch, president of BNEF’s board, will also be available at Corbion Caravan’s booth No. 7414.