Krispy Kreme helps bring books to WHS

Valley Life editor

On Nov. 18, Valley residents will get a chance to scarf down some Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnuts, and help Wasilla High School in the process.

The WHS Parent Teacher Student Association is hosting a Krispy Kreme fund-raiser, with the hopes of raising $10,000 for literacy programs in the school. Organizers are hoping to sell 2,000 dozen of the world famous doughnuts.

"They've done it at some schools and groups in Anchorage, and the latest one I know of is an elementary school in the Chugiak-Eagle River area," said Ron Rucker, who is helping the fund-raiser. "You hook up with Krispy Kreme Fund-raising, and they sell them to you for $3.50 a dozen. We're charging $10 a dozen, and we figure that we'll make at least $5 a dozen."

WHS is taking preorders for dozens of doughnuts through Monday. Then, on Nov. 17, Rucker and a friend are flying to Seattle, where they will drive directly to the Krispy Kreme store and get the doughnuts coming right off the line. They are boxed in Krispy Kreme boxes, and then put into crates of 50 dozens each.

From there, they will get right back on the plane and return home.

The doughnuts will be available to pick up at WHS on Nov. 18 at 7 a.m., just 20 hours after rolling off the line in Seattle.

"We're actually able to fly down there for no charge, because a friend's wife works for Alaska Airlines. They're also giving us a great rate on shipping, which helps even more," Rucker said.

School officials said it is a unique fund-raiser.

"Logistically, it's really interesting," said Cheri Albright of WHS.

Rucker has been quite the salesman, pitching the doughnuts just about everywhere he goes. He even has a Krispy Kreme hat and T-shirt. At last weekend's season-opening hockey game between Wasilla and Houston, he managed to sell 57 dozens of doughnuts. At his church on Sunday, Rucker peddled 30 more dozens.

All of the doughnuts are of the Original Glazed variety.

"They sell varieties of doughnuts, but it is a lot more hassle, so we're just selling the Original Glazed doughnuts," Rucker explained.

The money raised -- Rucker said the goal is $10,000 -- will help purchase books for Wasilla High School.

To preorder dozens of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, interested people can call Wasilla High School at 376-5341 or Rucker at 354-6780.

Doughnuts will be available to pick up from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 18. Rucker said because of the large volume of doughnuts, delivery is not an option.