Village Rallies Behind Busy Bee Bakery Owner Amid COVID-19 Battle

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Hundreds of people who have been affected by the sweets and service of Ingram's Busy Bee Bakery in Downers Grove are rallying behind the shop's owner, who is currently on life support battling coronavirus. A GoFundMe started to support owner and baker Chuck Kalousek and his family has already raised close to $60,000, just over two days after launching.

The GoFundMe page explains that Kalousek "battled the virus valiantly for 16 days" before being placed on a ventilator. A recent update on the fundraising page said Kalousek is waiting to be transferred to Northwestern Medicine or University of Chicago and may require a lung transplant.

Kalousek has owned and operated Busy Bee Bakery for more than 24 years. In a message on the bakery's website, his family writes, "There is no doubt that he is the driving force of our family and this bakery. Please consider praying for his recovery during this very difficult time for him and our family. As he selflessly and wholeheartedly, gave his time and talent, to provide a service for this community, he never deserved to be this sick. I know he will be looking forward to the day he can return to his life’s passion here at Busy Bee Bakery."

The GoFundMe page writes, "Please offer prayers, support and if you are able, funds to help pay for his medical bills and care for his family. It is time for us to give back to Chuck and his selfless family."

Click the link to donate to the GoFundMe for Ingram's Busy Bee Bakery and the Kalousek family.

Patch is a GoFundMe Promotional Partner