We are proud to announce am innovative new partnership between the Scottsdale-based Paradise Bakery & Cafe and Free Arts of Arizona called

“Connecting for Kids.” 

Under the partnership, Paradise Bakery & Cafe will donate a portion of the profits of the bottled water and 100% of the proceeds of the specially designed canvas bags to Free Arts to help support its mission to bring creative arts to children in over 100 group homes, treatment centers and shelters throughout Maricopa County. Additional paradise Bakery & Cafe and Free Arts of Arizona “Connecting for Kids” merchandise will be offered throughout the year.

“Arizona is our home,” said Paradise Bakery & Cafe President David Birzon. “Creativity has been paramount to our success. We want to help share the joy that comes from self-expression with children who can benefit the most.”

“Paradise Bakery & Café is a company that really cares about the community and wants to give back,” said former Free Arts of Arizona Executive Director Stephanie Small. “The generosity Paradise has shown will bring the healing effects of the arts to many, many children in the Valley.”

An estimated 12,000 children live in group homes and shelters in Maricopa County alone.

The “Connecting for Kids” bottled water is on sale at all Paradise Bakery and Café locations throughout the year. It will sell for $1.75 and a portion of all proceeds go to Free Arts to support on-going programs.

Paradise Bakery & Cafe will also offer a "Cookie for a Kid" campaign during the month of April! Paradise cookies are famous and for each cookie or dozen purchased during the event we will donate a portion of the proceeds back to Free Arts of Arizona! Last year Paradise was able to donate more than $75,000 to Free Arts from the combined campaigns and we hope to raise even more this year!

About Paradise Bakery & Café
Paradise Bakery & Café, one of the pioneers of the fast-casual, bakery/café segment, was founded by Dan Patterson and brother Mark Patterson in Long Beach, California in 1976.

Today, the company is headquartered in Scottsdale and renowned for its fresh menu. Paradise Bakery & Café operates 60 cafes in ten states, including 26 in Arizona. Its menu items are overseen by renowned chef Gregory Casale who gained recognition as executive chef for numerous four and five star restaurants before joining Paradise Bakery & Café two years ago.

Outside its home state, Paradise operates stores in Aspen, Boston, California, Colorado Dallas, Indiana, Omaha, Portland, Utah, and Vancouver, Washington among other markets. The popular restaurants include street locations, office buildings, airports and major mall locations. More information: www.paradisebakery.com.