RHINELANDER (WJFW) — Across Rhinelander, a cup of coffee is doing more than giving people a caffeine kick. It’s supporting those in need.
At Briar House, every order made a difference on Tuesday.
The café’s latte special, Helping Hands, helps support victims of domestic violence, thanks to a local club.
September 27 is the General Federation of Women’s Club’s International Day of Service.
President of the Rhinelander Women’s Club, Christy Schneider wanted to take this one day a step further with Coffee for a Cause fundraiser.
“Asking coffee shops to participate in this was a good way to engage the entire community,” Schneider said.
Briar House and five other coffee shops will be donating a portion of their proceeds to Tri-County Council in Rhinelander.
As a part of their Day of Service, the Rhinelander woman’s club is doubling the impact by matching up to $5,000 in donations.
Last year, the Tri County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault faced severe funding cuts, which led to staff shortage and the temporary closure of its emergency shelter, Lily’s House.
Schneider knew this was the perfect time to give back.
“We know there is a local need,” Schneider said. “And Tri-County has a history of doing such a wonderful job. And will continue to service this population of residents that need help.”
Schneider says the collaboration she’s seen from all business has been overwhelming.
“I’m very proud of the community,” Schneider said. “The first person I went to was Kylie over at Reincarnation. I just started crying because I was so pleased that she just jumped right in without asking another question. She was just like ‘I’m all in. I want to help.’”
While the fundraiser only runs for two weeks, Schneider hopes the awareness created will last much longer.
“I hope that by our efforts, for this particular fundraiser, that more people will be aware of these services,” Schneider said. “And just support each other in any way they can because you never know what someone else is going through.”
Participating coffee shops include: Briar House, Bath and Body Creations, Crimson Café, Tilly’s, Northern Grounds, and Kylie’s Caffeine Bar.
Each café will have a different special for Coffee for a Cause. The fundraiser concludes Sept. 28.
