Homeboy Bakery Plans Fund-Raiser

The Dolores Mission Church community, in an effort to reopen its fire-gutted Boyle Heights bakery that employs former gang members, is hosting a Jan. 22 event to raise funds to buy a new building.

Homeboy Industries has operated a small Gless Street bakery for eight years, offering jobs, hope and a fresh start for about 15 former gang members. An electrical fire last October badly damaged the aging building and most of the ovens and kneading machines.

Father Gregory Boyle, the priest who started the nonprofit church-affiliated business, hopes to relocate in a larger, modern building that will enable him to offer more jobs. Supporters have raised about $400,000 toward their $1-million goal.

The event, a Mass, dinner and dance, will be held at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage from 6 p.m. to midnight. For more information contact Homeboy Industries at (800) 526-1254.