SWEET HISTORY: Cake Boss Reveals the INCREDIBLE Story of National Donut Day

Why It Matters

The piece reframes National Doughnut Day as a charitable, historically rooted observance, spotlighting the Salvation Army’s continued social services and the holiday’s potential for fundraising and brand partnerships. That context matters for consumers, media and businesses using the day for marketing or philanthropy.

Summary

Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro traced National Doughnut Day to a Salvation Army initiative in 1938, explaining the holiday grew out of volunteers serving fried dough to U.S. troops during World War I — sometimes cooked in helmets on the front lines. Valastro, citing SalvationArmyUSA.org, described how returning soldiers’ fondness for those treats helped popularize doughnuts across America. He emphasized the charity’s broader role today, noting its roughly 7,400 U.S. locations and services that assist about 28 million people with food, disaster relief and basic needs. The segment tied that history to contemporary observance and community support rather than politics.

Original Description

Cake Boss Buddy Valastro joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to discuss National Donut Day, his partnership with The Salvation Army, the holiday's origins honoring service members and why the tradition remains important today. #foxbusiness #varneyandco

00:00 Blue Bell Celebrates America's 250th Birthday

00:31 National Donut Day Begins

00:52 The World War I Origins of National Donut Day

01:55 Why Buddy Valastro Partnered With The Salvation Army

02:28 How The Salvation Army Helps Millions of Americans Today**

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