CUDAHY, Wis. — A bake shop in Cudahy donated all their proceeds from Thursday’s sales to benefit the family of fallen Milwaukee police officer Peter Jerving.
Since 2018, Jen’s Sweet Treats has given back to first responders across the country and within owner Jennifer Clark’s home state. Now, Clark’s continuing to step up by giving back to Jerving’s family in a big way.
Thursday was a busy day at the bakeshop. The team baked and prepared thousands of cupcakes and other treats.
“It’s not just a cupcake, it’s a lot for a family,” Clark said.
Clark said she has a heart for first responders and wants them to know she has their back.
Clark has organized dozens of fundraisers for fallen officers in the past. That’s why when the Milwaukee Police Department lost one of their own, there was no question whether she was going to help Peter Jerving and his family.
“It’s about you know, telling the family that everyone is thinking about them, and we are all here for them,” Clark said.
For Clark and her team, this week has been all hands on deck. They’ve only gotten a few hours of sleep while preparing for a huge influx of customers, all of them wanting to support the officer’s family.
Clark said it’s an amazing sight to see, and she is proud she can be a part of giving back.
“It’s just such a great honor to show my love for the family by doing this and I’m proud to be a part of it,” decorator Joe Rickaby said.
Rickaby said he’s worked countless hours with the team to prepare for the big fundraiser day. He spent most of his day frosting thousands of cupcakes.
But he said he knows they will all be going to a good cause.
“Their son gave the ultimate sacrifice for us and knowing that we can do anything to help the family and show them that we care is what it’s all about,” Rickaby said.
Hundreds of customers made orders Thursday, including retired Milwaukee police officer Dwight McBride. McBride said it’s important to him to give back to a fellow officer’s family.
“It’s important to know that the community is behind the family during a time like this. It’s very important, the family needs the support,” McBride said.
While it’s not easy work for Clark and her team, the outcome, and the honor they can provide the family, makes it all worth it to them.
“Everyone thinks ‘how much can a cupcake do?’ Well, a cupcake can do a whole lot,” Clark said.