Donate to Help The Candy Pushers Keep Hillcrest Sweet!

Help The Candy Pushers Keep Hillcrest Sweet, Inclusive, and Sober!

Hi Friends, Family, Candy Lovers, Fudge Fanatics, and Community Supporters! We’re Shannon and Melissa, proud owners of The Candy Pushers, an all-inclusive, sober, safe candy shop in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego. We created The Candy Pushers to be a welcoming space for our LGBTQ+, Youth and Recovery communities—and a place where everyone can feel at home, without any judgment, surrounded by nostalgia, joy, and, of course, candy!

Our Journey

Our candy journey started with a small cart in 2018, pushing sweets at festivals, street fairs, PRIDE, and other events. In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, we had the chance to take over Candy Depot, where I (Shannon) had worked. The previous owner believed we were the heart and soul of the shop, and they wanted us to carry on its legacy. We jumped in, gave it a fresh twist, and brought it to a new location, transforming it into The Candy Pushers we have today—a vibrant, inclusive space right in the Hillcrest neighborhood.

What We’re Building Together

Our shop isn’t just a candy store; it’s a safe haven. Hillcrest is known for its strong LGBTQ+ community, but the social scene here often revolves around bars and alcohol. Our goal is to offer a joyful, sober option for everyone—LGBTQ+ youth, families, and folks in the Recovery community. At The Candy Pushers, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere with candy from your childhood, over 70 flavors of homemade fudge, and all the community events you love: karaoke, open mic, and board game nights—but without any alcohol. It’s a place where everyone can be themselves, feel connected, and experience the “warm and fuzzies” we all need!

Why We Need Your Help

Keeping our safe, sober space alive and thriving takes a village. As a small business, we’re facing rising costs and challenges in expanding our offerings, from new candy trends to hosting more community events. With your support, we can:

Enhance our space for more events, gatherings, and inclusive activities.

Expand our candy and fudge selections to keep our community excited and coming back for more.

Keep our space and the events accessible for LGBTQ+ youth, Recovery community members, and everyone who loves a sober night out in Hillcrest.

The Impact of Your Donation

By supporting The Candy Pushers, you’re directly helping create a positive, judgment-free zone in Hillcrest. You’re contributing to a vision that celebrates diversity, builds community, and offers a unique alternative to alcohol-centered spaces. Your donation will help us continue to keep our doors open, provide a safe, joyful space for everyone, and spread a little extra sweetness around town.

We can’t do this without you! If you believe in community spaces that are open, inclusive, and welcoming—or if you just love candy—please consider donating to our campaign. Every dollar brings us one step closer to keeping The Candy Pushers thriving and keeping Hillcrest sweet.

Thank you for helping us push the dream forward!

With gratitude and lots of candy love,

Sugar Mama Shannon & Fudge Master Melissa