I literally jumped out of my seat when an email popped up in my inbox from Bob's Red Mill sharing that I'd won the "Moregetherness" contest and would be sent a Little Free Bakery to install outside my home. As a home baker, I love to bake and share my creations with friends and neighbors, which usually meant sending mass texts or knocking on doors with plates of sweets to share. I already have a Little Free Library installed, and find such joy when passersby take and leave books to enjoy. Baked goods could only up the ante!

I learned of Bob's Red Mill's "Moregetherness" contest on my birthday through a Facebook post and noticed that entries were due that night. As soon as I got home from a delicious dinner with my husband, I set out to answer the application questions as meaningfully as possible. The contest opened on my dad's birthday and closed on mine; it felt kismet! I was already doing what was needed to be a Little Free Bakery steward. The Bob's Red Mill factory model even matched my small bakery's color scheme! It seemed meant to be.

I was deliriously confident that I would win. My mom tried to temper my expectations. "Thousands of people applied, Brielle," she cautioned. "Even if you don't win this contest, you can still create your own!" When I won, I called her immediately. "I can't believe it!" she screamed with me as I celebrated. "This is amazing!"

From the beginning, this Little Free Bakery has achieved what it has set out to. My neighbors all celebrated my win at our monthly women's game night. The local small business association procured giant scissors for a ribbon cutting. My friend and neighbor, Lee—who I met a few years ago at the local Ace Hardware!—came over one afternoon to help me install the Little Free Bakery between my mailbox and Little Free Library.

The Sellwood neighborhood is supportive and close-knit, and this has been an excellent way to continue celebrating our community focus. Follow us on Instagram to learn when new ingredients like baking mixes and freshly baked treats are ready for pickup, or swing by to see what's available. Tag us (@redbellbakery) and Bob's Red Mill (@bobsredmill) on Instagram when you visit to let us know how this Little Free Bakery sweetens your day!