If you love coffee and would like to support families in crisis situations, mark your calendars for the 7th Annual Caffeine Cruise. This year’s event kicks off on September 26 and runs for two weeks, giving you plenty of time to take advantage of all the “perks!”
The Caffeine Cruise is sponsored by Bethany Christian Services and benefits Safe Families for Children, a nonprofit organization created to assist children and families experiencing a crisis. The group is volunteer-driven and professionally supported, depending upon host families and coaches to provide compassionate care while keeping children safe and families intact.
For a $35 donation, you’ll receive a passport that entitles you to freebies and special offers from participating businesses. The two-week event begins on September 26 and runs until October 10. “We’ll be at the Pumpkin Festival downtown selling passports,” says Shelby Kruckenberg, Safe Families Coordinator for Bethany Christian Services. “That’s how we kick it off.” Within each passport are 22 locations where you can present the passport for a free treat on the scheduled day. If you can’t attend the festival, passports are available for purchase online or at Bethany Christian Services, Alternative Fuel Coffee House, Candyland, Cream LLC, Dunn Brothers Coffee, Fork Real Community Cafe, Heartfelt Embroidery & Gifts, Scheels, Silver Lining Creamery, The Bean Counter, and The Bestro.
Typically, there are 250-350 passports sold in a given year. With many families yeaning for something to do after spending months inside, the Caffeine Cruise is a perfect opportunity to discover new places while supporting vulnerable kids and families in the local community.
WORDS: MARK PETRUSKA