By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Del Rio coffee lovers didn’t just turn out to try the city’s newest drive-through coffee shop — they helped set a Texas fundraising record in the process.
During 7 Brew Coffee’s three-day Coffee for a Cause fundraiser benefiting CASA of Val Verde County, customers donated $13,428.25, setting a fundraising record among the 15 Texas 7 Brew locations operated by Texas Coffee Partners.
CASA of Val Verde County serves as an advocate for children in Child Protective Services (CPS) custody, representing them in court through trained volunteers working in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources, according to the organization’s mission statement.
Ana Moreno, executive director of CASA of Val Verde County, said there is a definite need for the funds.
“As a nonprofit, we are always in need of funding,” Moreno said. “These funds will help us in general operations, but we’ll also be able to provide our volunteer advocates with more training and continuing education. That helps with the safety of our children.
“We want to ensure every child’s voice is heard in the courtroom,” Moreno added. “The funds will also be used specifically for the children, and there are times when they’ll need school supplies, clothing items or other things. Thanks to these funds, we’ll be able to better help these children.”
The franchise group operates more than 15 locations throughout the San Antonio, Austin and Houston areas, making the Del Rio location’s achievement even more impressive.
General Manager Jacob Decker said the record was especially meaningful because it reflected the generosity of the Del Rio community.
“I thought it was awesome. It was really, really sweet,” Decker said. “It was really cool to see the community kind of band together to not only try out delicious coffee but also bring awareness to groups like CASA.”
The fundraiser was part of 7 Brew’s Coffee for a Cause program, in which customers paid what they wished for their drinks, with all proceeds benefiting a local charity partner. In Del Rio, that partner was CASA of Val Verde County.
The community responded in record fashion throughout the three-day event, donating $4,280 on Friday, $4,930 on Saturday and $4,218.25 on Sunday for a grand total of $13,428.25.
For Decker, the weekend wasn’t just about the numbers.
“Our motto at 7 Brew is ‘Cultivate Kindness,'” he said. “It’s very on brand. Seeing the kindness we try to spread reflected back by the community was awesome. Even in small towns, people need love, and the community needs love as well.”
Ironically, while the fundraiser was breaking records, many of Del Rio’s newest 7 Brew employees were still learning the ropes.
Decker said experienced trainers from San Antonio and Austin, along with team members from the Eagle Pass location, helped operate the stand during the fundraiser while simultaneously training the new Del Rio staff.
“We have traveling trainers who were very hands-on,” Decker said. “We also brought people from the Eagle Pass location since they’re our closest neighbor.”
The Del Rio location will hold its soft opening Aug. 3, followed by its grand opening celebration Aug. 8. During the grand opening, customers who purchase a large drink will receive one of the company’s summer T-shirt designs while supplies last.
For Decker, the record-setting fundraiser was an encouraging sign before officially opening the doors.
“It’s really cool to see a community come together like this,” he said.
The writer can be reached at joelalangton@gmail.com.
