Pete provides pies aplenty for Rescue Mission's Thanksgiving

Date: 12/8/2009

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



EAST LONGMEADOW -- Peter Gray, a senior at East Longmeadow High School, enjoys baking and the fruits of his labor were enjoyed by many on Thanksgiving at the Springfield Rescue Mission.

Gray spent Tuesday evening in his parents' kitchen baking 12 pies -- two apple, two sweet potato and eight filled with chocolate cream. He is the son of Mary and Brian Gray of Redin Lane.

"I love to bake and thought it would be nice to make pies to donate," Gray said during an interview with Reminder Publications. "The Rescue Mission had been so appreciative of donations in the past, I thought this would be a good place to ask."

Baking is Gray's passion, and his home-based business, Pete's Sweets, has made countless area families happy over the years with his confectionary delights.

"Seeing my parents make donations made me want to donate something of my own, so what better than pies for Thanksgiving?" he added.

Gray noted he also plans to make pies for the upcoming holiday season for the organization.

"At first I was excited to deliver my pies but upon arrival my feelings soon changed when those waiting in line for their dinner seemed more interested in our coat donation than my 12 pies," Gray said. "It made me realize how something as simple as a donated coat can affect someone."

Gray's Web site, www.freewebs.com/petessweetscandies, continues to evolve and currently features many of his mouth-watering confections, from cakes and candy to holiday specials including peppermint bark.

As a senior, Gray is beginning to consider his career options which will focus on the food industry.

This budding entrepreneur expects to fulfill a lifelong dream one day soon -- to open a bakery and cafe in Western Massachusetts.

"I'm keeping my options open," he added.