From Humanitarian Contributions to Establishing a Nonprofit
Manuel (Manolo) Betancur, a Colombia native and U.S. citizen, has heavily invested in the Charlotte Metro community and beyond since his arrival to the southern city in 2005. His small businesses headquartered in Charlotte (Manolo’s Bakery, Artisan Gelato, Higher Grounds by Manolo’s) have long served as the foundation of charitable efforts. Contributions include:
- Preparing and distributing 5,000+ birthday cakes for the homeless and children in need (in coordination with Raise You Up, local churches & individual donors)
- Cooking and delivering 50,000+ meals during times of crisis (in coordination with Chef Jose Andres’ non-profit, World Central Kitchen, Myers Park United Methodist Church, Bank of America & the Compass Group, and individual donors)
- Traveling to Bucha, Ukraine and the surrounding region to rebuild a bread oven and support local bakers to increase access to bread for individuals ravaged by war (in coordination with Myers Park United Methodist Church, Share Charlotte, and individual donors).
- Preparing and delivering bread and cakes to thousands of individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina (in coordination with Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte and individual donors).
In 2024, it became apparent that a formal non-profit organization was needed to house and further expand Manolo’s charitable efforts. By Immigrant Hands (registered as We Care 4) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The nonprofit received its formal IRS designation as a charitable organization in June 2024.
The Gift of Giving
Manolo shows us that giving can be contagious.
Guiding Principles
Vision: Transforming Communities, Hand in Hand.
Mission: To nourish hope and dignity to the often overlooked and forgotten, while uniting neighbors, communities, and nations through the distribution of bread, birthday cakes, and humanitarian aid.
Core Values: The cornerstones of our non-profit include:
- Every Life Matters. We believe that every person is a gift and should be celebrated, regardless of race, creed, language, income, or title.
- Our Best Work Happens Together. We understand that it takes a village to support and uplift a community. We partner with individuals, businesses, civic groups, houses of faith, schools, and local farmers to maximize our strength and impact.
- The Hands that Feed Us Are Precious. We recognize that the food systems in America (and around much of the world) are supported by the hard work of immigrant hands. We choose to honor this contribution to our lives and highlight the overlooked heroes who sustain our tables.
- The Table is a Sacred Place of Meeting. We honor the practice of coming together at the table to promote honest conversations that imagine a better world and produce lasting change.
Ingredients for Change
Something as simple as a loaf of bread or a birthday cake can change a life.
Leading by Example
Manolo Betancur is a Colombian-born entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social activist who has dedicated his life to uplifting communities through business, advocacy, and humanitarian efforts. Now a proud American citizen—thanks to a landmark decision by a U.S. judge—he exemplifies the resilience and contributions of immigrants in the United States.
As the CEO and founder of Manolo’s Bakery, a purpose-driven business in Charlotte, NC, Manolo leads with a mission that extends beyond baking. His bakery regularly contributes to more than 26 local nonprofits, supporting community-driven initiatives. One time, his bakery efforts saved a life.
Manolo’s work has been widely recognized, earning him multiple awards, including:
- World Bread Hero USA Award (2021) By IBIE
- UPstanding Person of the Year – UPPY Awards (2022)
- Outstanding Philanthropic Small Business Award (2021)
- Best Bakery in Charlotte (2024) – Food & Drink Critics, Queen City Nerve
- #2 Best Cake Shop in the USA by Readers’ Choice Award, USA TODAY Newspaper 10 Best 2025-2026
- With Artisen Gelato: Best Ice Cream in Charlotte – 180,000+ votes (2022)
His story has been featured on the State Of Latino Entrepreneurship Report by Stanford Graduate School of Business, PBS North Carolina, The Charlotte Observer, MSNBC and other national and international media outlets like El Pais and CNN. For more information about Manolo, visit manolobetancur.com/about.
Manolo is the Founder and current Executive Director of By Immigrant Hands.
Nonprofit Founder & Executive Director, Manolo Betancur
Colombia native and U.S. citizen, Manolo currently leads nonprofit efforts.
Driving Change from the Charlotte Metro and Beyond
The Cake Project. We celebrate and uplift marginalized populations by preparing and delivering birthday cakes and bread so that no birthday is forgotten.
Since the launch of the nonprofit (June 2024), the organization has provided baked goods to dozens of individuals, including persons experiencing homelessness, foster children, federal workers impacted by the government shutdown, and more.
Ovens of Hope. We equip war-torn nations to feed their communities by providing hands-on training and funding to build brick ovens.
By Immigrant Hands is currently raising funds to support the building of a new bread oven in war weary Ukraine this winter. Approximately $5,000 covers the cost of a new bread oven.
Unsung Food Heroes. We recognize the tireless contributions of immigrants feeding America and their impact to society through storytelling and the arts.
In spring 2025, Manolo Betancur, By Immigrant Hands Founder and Executive Director was featured in a short length documentary, The Changebaker. Directed by Courtney Dixon, the film tells the story of Manolo coming to America, his journey to attain the American dream as a small business owner and humanitarian, and his unwavering dedication to the immigrant community in times of adversity. The film has won numerous awards and serves as platform for promoting awareness, conversation, and funding for the nonprofit organization.
The Cake Project
The simple gesture of giving a birthday cake or loaf of bread to someone in need has the power to instill hope, value, and meaning.
