If being artsy and getting involved in a community is your thing then Fannies is the place for you.
The Fannies Bakery Stand in the atrium is a new addition to the Wright College campus where students can enjoy a pastry or a cup of coffee during their school day. However, Fannies also has a wide range of activities where customers can express themselves and make some friends along the way.
Currently, the Fannies ‘Angel Wings Tree’ event, held at their Montrose and Milwaukee location, allows customers to take a tag with a child’s name and give a gift from that child’s Christmas list.
In mid December, Fannies will be hosting their Creepy Christmas December event that will include extended hours, a live band, and their signature assortment of delicious baked goods. The official days will be posted to their Fannie’s Facebook page and Instagram accounts @FanniesCafe and @FanniesCafe_IKE.
Students can also express themselves through Fannies’ shops. Their location at Montrose and Milwaukee occasionally hosts poetry slams and open mic nights. Additionally, another activity is currently in the works where customers can display and potentially sell their artwork at their shops in the Eisenhower Library and at their Montrose location.
The feedback that is given by the community encourages the creation of more unique and engaging ideas. Messages sent through Facebook are one of the ways customers can let their voices be heard and even suggest ideas of their own.
Stephanie “Fannie” Rybandt, creator and owner of the Fannies brand, uses handed down family recipes to make the baked goods sold in her stores.
“Fannie herself thinks about how she can continue to reach her community and others in need, all while orchestrating the show in the kitchen. She cares about everyone and if she can help you she’ll try,” said Fannies stand manager and former Wright student Cassy Santos.
More events are coming soon, including the ‘Spread the Love’ campaign in February where they collect purses, bags, and backpacks filled with essentials for women in need. These items include feminine hygiene products, food, clothing, and first aid.
“The spread the love campaign will definitely make its way to Wright college in the future. Students can currently participate in the Angel Wings Tree event, and can follow our social media to see when we announce upcoming campaigns,” said Santos.
Even though the Wright College Fannies stand closed for the season on November 29, Wright students can be assured that a plethora of opportunities will be available to them once the spring 2018 semester starts up and the stand reopens. To get their baked fix, students can visit their Montrose location.
With so many opportunities to express oneself, customers and artists alike will find a sense of community and a way to show their talents at Fannies.