Eat Panera, support El Centro youth

City collaborates with community-services foundation

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The Friends of El Centro Community Services Foundation has partnered with the City of El Centro to host a Panera Fundraising Event from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, May 28. On a national level, Panera Bread coincidentally seems to be making changes in response to the pandemic.

According to the City, "Proceeds of the fundraiser will be used towards swim scholarships and other youth recreation programs."

Anyone willing to help may show this digital flyer (SEE TO RIGHT) when ordering at the cafe, or enter code PRFUND at checkout if ordering online.

Chief Brand and Concept Officer for Panera Eduardo Luz announced Thursday nationally that Panera’s new next-generation bakery-cafe doubles down on a warmer atmosphere, while enhancing digital guest experience and drive-thru opportunities.

"Innovation is core to who we are and with our new next-generation Panera concept, we are doing what we’ve always done – keeping a personalized experience for the guest at the heart of everything we do," said Luz.

He continued, “We’re doubling down on what has always made Panera unique—creating human connection through caring associates and a warm, inviting environment filled with the smell of freshly-baked bread—while continuing to be a leader in digital access for the off-premise[s] world.”

Currently, Panera Bread offers a wide array of pastries and baked goods which are baked every evening by staff. New locations are set to feature bakery-cafe ovens to be in full view of the guests, so they can fully immerse themselves in the experience of baking as it happen throughout the day.

Observing the process simultaneously gives customers some ease knowing by whom, where and exactly how their bread was produced.

For more information about the fundraiser, please contact the Parks and Recreation Division at (760) 337-4555.