Auntie Anne's founders visit Millersburg

The founders of Auntie Anne’s, Anne and Jonas Beiler, are coming to the area for an event March 14 that will share the background of how their business was started. Through tragic life events that left Anne traumatized and in a deep depression and the near demise of their young family and marriage, attendees will get to hear their testimony. It was through this pain and eventual healing they made a decision to save their marriage and discovered their new purpose.

The events leading up to the start of the world’s largest pretzel franchise have led to work being done to produce a movie about this story of loss, heartache, discovery, forgiveness and eventual redemption. Anne and Jonas Beiler were born and raised in the Amish-Mennonite community of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania.

Their marriage was peaceful as they began to start a family together. Then their life took a tailspin after the accidental death of their 19-month-old daughter Angela Joy in 1975.

In the midst of this heartache and grief, Anne Beiler sought counsel from her pastor. He used Anne’s vulnerability and emotional pain to manipulate her and abuse her sexually. This abuse of spiritual power drove Anne even deeper into sorrow, blame and shame.

After six years Anne Beiler was able to confess to Jonas all that had taken place, and through counseling, they began to heal and slowly restore their marriage. As a result of experiencing the redemption of their own marriage, Jonas found himself interested in helping other couples and individuals who were suffering from hopelessness and despair.

To support Jonas Beiler’s desire to help others, Anne bought a stand in a busy farmers market in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where she made soft pretzels. After a minor change to the recipe, the pretzels became a hit, and Auntie Anne’s was born.

“Out of our pain, our purpose was born, (and) God has allowed me to tell my story for his glory,” Anne Beiler said.

Working together as teammates with a common purpose, they have been able to support and counsel many individuals and couples.

Auntie Anne and Jonas will speak at the Heritage Community Center, 3558 U.S. 62, Millersburg, between Bunker Hill and Winesburg.

A meet-and-greet time with the Beilers is planned from 4:30-5:50 p.m. During this social time, Auntie Anne’s pretzel products will be freshly baked and served along with other finger foods and light hors d’oeuvres. Auntie Anne’s lemonade also will be available.

From 6-7:30 p.m., they will share their story of how the business was started — the good, the bad, the ugly and the triumph.

The event is hosted by Ray and Lisa McConnell, former area franchisees in the Auntie Anne’s franchise family. Area sponsoring businesses that are financially helping bring the Beilers to the area are Berlin Gardens, Hummel Group, Kaufman Realty, Keim and ProVia.

Tickets for the event can be purchased online at www.Christfitforthejourney.com. The ticket includes all of Auntie Anne’s fresh-baked products and the meet-and-greet time with Anne and Jonas Beiler. Physical tickets also are available for purchase at the Gospel Book Store in Berlin and Charm Fabrics and Clothing in Charm.

For more information visit www.Christfitforthejourney.com and follow the prompts or call Ray McConnell at 330-465-7495.