Paying It
Forward A Literate Bakery Stir together a huge supply of used books, a school system in need, and a location like the incredibly popular Kilauea Bakery. Toss in a dollop of volunteerism and the sense of community on Kauai Island, HI, and you’ve got a recipe for philanthropic success. When Thomas Pickett ’81 noticed the local Borders was closing, he
Coming Full Circle
had a brainstorm. On the bookstore’s last day, he bought three of its
When Robert Kabakoff ’86 set up a student scholarship at our
of his bakery and gave the others to establishments nearby. Everyone
San Antonio campus, he didn’t think much more about it, as soon
began calling it the Kilauea Bakery Book Shelf. Thomas filled the cart
after he decided to shift his annual donation to support the Alumni
with books from thrift shops, customers, and families. And since the
Homecoming 5K Walk/Run. But one day, while interviewing a job
bakery lends itself to relaxing and browsing through books, he had a
candidate, he came face-to-face with the recipient of his scholarship.
success on his hands. He asks only that customers make a one- or two-
“I really cannot tell you the impact it had on me when I learned that
dollar contribution if they want to take a book home. Over the past
the person I was talking to had received my scholarship,” says Robert.
2½ years, the bakery’s cart alone has raised $26,000—enough money
“Talk about investing in the future and seeing your commitment to
to fund two part-time teachers in the elementary reading mastery
the CIA come full circle!”
program that was cut just before he began this project.
Brit Milam ’13 was the eager interviewee who mentioned to Robert
Thomas’s commitment to his community is long-standing and
that he had received the Kabakoff Scholarship. “I think of my
deeply appreciated. Kilauea Elementary School Principal Sherry
education at the CIA as an investment in my future,” says Brit. “Who
Scott Gonsalves says, “Besides establishing the Kilauea Bakery Book
would have thought that Mr. Kabakoff and I would both receive so
Shelf, which has encouraged the love of reading in both children and
serendipitous and direct a return on our investments.” Robert was
adults, Thomas has sponsored a ‘Student of the Week’ award in every
so impressed with Brit’s attitude and energy that he created a unique
classroom for almost two decades.” Seems like Thomas is cooking up
manager’s position to take full advantage of Brit’s potential.
more than just great food at his Kilauea Bakery.
robert (left) and brit
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sturdiest wooden book carts. He placed one in the high-traffic area
thomas (right) and wife katie with the kilauea bakery book shelf
www.ciaalumninetwork.com