CUDAHY, WIS. — Jen's Sweet Treats hosted an End of Watch Anniversary event in remembrance of fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner, who was shot dead while serving a high-risk search warrant in 2019.
The event, held from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on February 6, was a time for the community to come together and celebrate officer Rittner's life, according to Jen's Sweet Treats owner Jen Clark.
The cause nearly brought some customers to tears.
"For the policemen? Oh yeah, I could tear up real easy on stuff like this," said John Nelson, who lives in Cudahy. He said a sweet treat is the perfect way to honor Rittner's legacy.
"When you’re a kid, what do you like most? Something sweet. And it just sticks with ya," said Nelson.
Jen Clark donated 100 percent of the money earned on February 6th to local causes.
The first $1,500 raised went towards a scholarship at Officer Rittner's alma mater, Greenfield High School. That money will go to students who wish to become first responders.
The rest of the money earned will be donated to the Brew City Nam Knight's Motorcycle Club, an organization made up of veterans and police officers, according to Clark.
Clark said these types of events are a simple way to remember the ultimate sacrifice police officers are always prepared to make.
"Every day when they get up and go to work they don’t know that they’re going to come home and unfortunately in this case, Matt didn’t," said Clark.
The irresistible urge for something sweet mixed with the desire to "back the badge" had customers rushing into the bakery, which sits at the corner of Squire Avenue and Packard Avenue.
"I came running down here as soon as I dropped my wife off at work," said Oak Creek resident Charles Constable.
A brat fry and ticket raffle were also held.
In the past, Jen Clark has raised tens of thousands of dollars for fallen first responders in the area.
