Despite the miserable ice storm outside, we had a very good turnout for our Bikes to Rwanda/MARBC Celebration this evening. Half the proceeds earned tonight are earmarked for Bikes to Rwanda - and thanks to the coffee lovers in town who were willing to brave the elements, we raised $132.00 $150.00!!! We're not sure what that buys in terms of bike parts, but we'll find out - we're sure it'll go a long way to helping some farmers become more efficient with transportation.
Belle, John and Sonja all said it was a blast for them - they had a great time explaining their signature drinks and how they developed the drinks for competition. People were extremely impressed with their creativity and execution - many came back to try two or three of the drinks being served. Credit also to Michelle who kept the "regular" bar open for the three hours of the celebration serving up Rwandan coffees and everything else on the bar menu.
It was a terrific night for everyone and lots of fun best we can tell from the enthusiasm we witnessed. We wish the weather was a bit better so more folks could've enjoyed the festivities. But the leftover wine will be but to use tomorrow night for a combined birthday party for Lauren and John - so nothing will go to waste!
Thanks again to everyone for making this a successful evening. A special note of thanks to Tom Moertel for your generous contribution even though you couldn't stay for the festivities. Troy - the check will be in John's hands when he goes to the Jam. Thanks for the inspiration and for your leadership in the cause for Bikes to Rwanda.
Great! Thanks a lot! We have a group in Santa Barbara who are also helping with bikes and go to Rwanda, to teach how to repair bikes. (I am about to go for the third time, teaching coping skills to help with the psychological trauma to the genocide survivors. I lived in Pittsburgh for 32 years) Does the Post Gazette know of your efforts? Betsy
Posted by: Betsy Kain | February 23, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Betsy, what you're doing is wonderful for the folks in Rwanda, so the thanks are to you, not us. As far as the P-G goes, this was an event that we literally put together in under three days after our regional barista competition so there wasn't much opportunity for a traditional PR campaign for the event. Everything was email mostly to customers, although we did also notify local press in hopes someone would show and snap some photos.
Posted by: Rich | February 23, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Mt. Lebanon and Aldo rocks! Thank you so much guys, looking at the latest info. from Bikes to Rwanda, $100 lays the foundation for a bike shop, including materials and labor. $50 helps stock the bike shop with tools. Thanks again for laying the foundation for the shop we will build at the jam!
Posted by: Troy Reynard | February 23, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Melanie, Rich and the Aldo's team - what a wonderful evening! Thank you for sharing in your competition experience as well as raising money for a worthwhile cause. Sandy and Geoff Ward (the guy talking about Chinese rotgut alcohol) were most impressed with the fact that baristas compete and that Aldo's came out on top. I think you've won over a couple new customers to boot!
Posted by: Larry | February 24, 2008 at 05:09 AM