Bakery team, #1551, Raleigh, North Carolina, earned a Mr. George Gold Coin Award for its dedication to helping our customers.

It was 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Decorator Olivia Powell had just clocked in for work when the phone rang.

On the call, the customer urgently explained that her friend’s wedding had been moved up because of a family emergency. The original cake order had fallen through the day before, and now the bride was without a wedding cake. She explained that even a simple, plain cake would do — anything to help make the day special.

Instead of immediately turning down the request due to same-day order restrictions, Olivia asked if she could talk it over with her bakery manager, Anastasia Makedonskaya, to see if there was anything they could do. Shortly after Anastasia arrived, the team put together a plan to help. They called the customer back and let her know they would make the wedding cake and in the flavor the bride wanted. The customer was able to pick up the cake at 10 a.m. the same day and make it to the wedding on time.

“Our mission at Publix is to make customers happy,” said Anastasia. “When I see the happiness we can create, it inspires me and tells me we are doing a good job.”

At the time, the bakery team didn’t think twice about their efforts — it was just another day of serving our customers. So when their district manager gave them the Mr. George Gold Coin Award, they were shocked.

Grateful for the recognition, the bakery team remains focused on what matters most: continuing to make a positive difference, one customer at a time.

Take a moment to read about other Mr. George Gold Coin recipients.

The Mr. George Gold Coin Award is given to associates who embrace the Publix culture and provide premier service the way Mr. George himself would have. Receiving a gold coin means you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others by going above and beyond. Associates can become eligible for a gold coin by receiving praise from customers and associates through customer care and social media, which reviews each submission based on established criteria and guidelines. To recommend an associate for consideration, email the story details to goldcoin@publix.com.