BREWER, Maine — The story of 12-year-old Dorian Pillsbury and his birthday cake donation drive gained nationwide attention over the past week, doubling the money he has collected and adding to the already 400 donations he has distributed to Bangor area food pantries.
As part of a five-year-long tradition between his mom and him, Pillsbury set out to celebrate his birthday by collecting donations of cake mix, frosting, and candles so those less fortunate could also enjoy cake on their birthday.
When Pillsbury's story came on Ilene Goldstein's local station in Randolph, Massachusetts, she says began to cry.
"I thought it was absolutely fabulous that a young person today is interested in doing things for other people," she said.
Pillsbury and his mother, Lisa Liberatore, have been receiving cards and messages on Facebook from people as far as Tennessee eager to give to the cause. The outpouring of support was shocking.
"They were donating so much money to help me raise money to buy cakes," Pillsbury said. "It’s so amazing what people are doing to help me out."
He has also gained support from those closer to home. The Penobscot Theatre Company is collecting donations on Pillsbury’s behalf.
Jen Shepard, executive director of the theater, says helping Pillsbury was natural since their current show is "Birthday Candles," a show following the lead from ages 17 to 107 on her birthday.
"But also, who wouldn't want to help a kid make other people's birthday's better?" Shepard said. "The moment we announced we were partnering with Dorian, our patrons started showing up with boxes and bags of donations."
To date, Pillsbury reports collecting over $400 dollars which will go towards buying more cake mix, frosting and candles.
Physical donations can be dropped off at the Penobscot Theatre ticket office in Bangor Tuesday through Thursday noon to 5 p.m. at the ticket office or during showings of "Birthday Candles" Friday through Sunday.