The Legacy We’re Building On

Nearly 80 years ago, 855 Black women shipped out to Europe under the command of Dayton’s own Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley. They were the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion — the Six Triple Eight — and they did what everyone said couldn’t be done. They showed up, they worked together, and they got it done.

We named our kitchen after them on purpose.

Because the women walking through our doors every day carry that same spirit. They are caterers, bakers, food truck owners, and meal prep entrepreneurs. They are mothers, neighbors, and community builders. And just like the Six Triple Eight, they are doing the work — often with fewer resources, less access, and more obstacles than anyone should have to face.

The 6888 Kitchen Incubator exists to change that.

The Next Chapter Is Almost Written

Seven years ago, Dabriah Rice, Charlynda Scales, and Jamaica White sat down together and asked a simple question: Why is it so hard for food entrepreneurs in Dayton to get the support they need?

What followed was a $4 million campaign, a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen in the historic Dayton Arcade, and a growing community of food entrepreneurs who are now building real businesses, hiring employees, and feeding Dayton.

Now we’re ready for the next chapter.

Phase Two completes our first-floor production space — the engine that powers every business in this kitchen. This expansion adds critical production capacity, giving our members more room to grow, more time to produce, and more opportunities to scale. Construction begins this spring, and we need $30,000 to close the final gap and break ground.

And we’re already looking ahead. Phase Three will bring our lower level to life — adding dedicated storage, office space, and a members’ lounge where entrepreneurs can collaborate, plan, and grow together. That’s the vision we’re building toward, one phase at a time.

The good news? Wright-Patt Credit Union will match every dollar you give, up to $15,000. That means your $50 becomes $100. Your $250 becomes $500. Your gift, whatever it is, goes twice as far.

But only through April 7. Don’t leave free money on the table.

What Your Dollars Are Building

Here’s what our members told us — in their own words — about what 6888 Kitchen has meant to them:

“Being a member of 6888 Kitchen has expanded my horizons in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Being visible to consumers is a major part of having and growing a business.”

“My life will be forever changed.”

“Nothing but excellent outcomes from everything I’ve done since joining the kitchen.”

“It’s a wonderful place to scale your business.”

These aren’t testimonials from a brochure. They’re from real members — caterers who landed their first big events, food delivery entrepreneurs who grew their revenue from zero, bakers featured on multiple local TV channels, and chefs who are now hiring employees and serving their communities.

Since opening, 6888 Kitchen members have collectively created jobs, earned media coverage from local and regional outlets, collaborated with each other across dozens of events, and grown businesses now selling at farmers markets, retail stores, restaurants, and online. This is what community investment looks like in action.

Your Gift, Right Now, Does This:

$50 → Covers a month of business coaching for one entrepreneur

$100 → Funds food safety certification training

$250 → Supports a member’s first month of commercial kitchen access

$500 → Helps fund Phase Two construction materials

$1,000+ → Named in our groundbreaking celebration as a Legacy Builder

Every gift under $15,000 is matched dollar for dollar by Wright-Patt Credit Union — but only through April 7, 2026.

This Is What “Lift As You Climb” Looks Like

The Six Triple Eight didn’t succeed alone. They succeeded together — because they showed up for each other when the world wasn’t showing up for them.

This campaign is an invitation to show up for the women of 6888 Kitchen the same way. Complete the production floor. Grow the community. Build the legacy — one floor at a time.

Donate Now → Give by April 7 and your gift is matched

Questions? Contact us at dabriah@ohtaste.org or visit 6888kitchen.org

OH Taste Foundation | 32 S. Ludlow Street, Dayton, OH 45402 | 501(c)(3) | All gifts are tax-deductible.

6888 Kitchen Incubator: Women Building Legacies

Every dollar you give is matched — up to $15,000 — thanks to Wright-Patt Credit Union.

Team Members