This Fort Collins NonProfit is A Restaurant for Community
A sense of community was in full swing this Thanksgiving at FoCo Cafe.
Executive Director Mallory Garneau said, "We share a certain sense of responsibility to be there for those who need us most, while offering a space for anyone and everyone to enjoy a warm, hearty meal, served with a side of community."
With just four paid employees, FoCo Cafe has served nearly 103,000 meals in just under five years. With devoted volunteers cleaning up and prepping food, FoCo Cafe is able to serve meals Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m to 2 p.m.
How Does It Work:
According to the Coloradoan, the community supported FoCo Cafe when things got rough, ultimately donating almost $64,000. Today FoCo Cafe has 143 'sustaining members' who pay $10 a month in exchange for free food and perks depending on how much they donate. This consistent income is crucial to keeping operations running smoothly.
When you dine at FoCo Cafe, you will be asked to pay a minimum donation of $5 although the suggested donation is $12, which is how much it costs to produce each meal when it's all said and done. However, the average donation is $4.50 and if someone can't pay, they are asked to volunteer in exchange, per the Coloradoan.
Garneau told the Coloradoan that financially, "it just wasn't working out" so that's why there is a suggested minimum donation. Apparently, some were feeding their entire families and donating just 25 cents.
She went on to tell the Coloradoan, "That balance between pay it forward and needing a hand up is why we're are still here... It is about the food, but it's also about what happens when people come together in a space where they can interact without social barriers."
Get involved
The FoCo Cafe is holding its largest fundraiser of the year from 7-9 p.m., Dec. 10 at Odell Brewing Co., 800 E. Lincoln Ave.
All proceeds will go to help pay the $24,000 annual rent on the building.
You can become a sustaining member for as little as $10 a month.
You can also visit Smile.Amazon.com and select Feeding Our Community Ourselves (FoCo Cafe's) “Wish List” to purchase needed equipment for FoCo Cafe. Donations are tax deductible.
For more information visit www.fococafe.org, email Info@fococafe.org or call 309-368-1659.
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