GADC and Perfect Peace Cafe & Bakery Host a FREE COFFEE DAY
Aurora Cruz
Published: November 23, 2009
Aurora Cruz of GADC (L) generates a warm smile while embracing the cold elements of a typical November morning with community residents (C) and other GADC teammates, Linda Johnson and Kasheika Brown.
Ernest Sanders
It was a cold windy November Monday morning when Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GADC) along with Perfect Peace Cafe & Bakery had the first FREE COFFEE DAY in Auburn Gresham.
For almost 2 1/2 hours GADC and Perfect Peace gave away 160 cups of coffee as well as delicious cupcakes and cookies. One might think how and why would a community development agency and local business give away free beverages and food items to people walking and driving down a major thoroughfare and intersection, like 79th & Racine.
GADC's Carlos Nelson displays a free coffee sign to passer-byers traveling down Racine Street.
Ernest Sanders
"GOOD MORNING NEIGHBORS! FREE COFFEE AND PASTRIES!" exclaimed GADC's executive director Carlos Nelson and his staff at key spots along this major thoroughfare and intersection. Combined everyone's efforts resembled the famous military radio station's morning show callout: GOOD MORNING VIETNAM.
According to Nelson, "Providing our residents and others abroad fits in line with Auburn Gresham's Quality of Life Plan and helps us to further develop businesses on 79th Street while encouraging pedestrian and transit friendly commercial corridors."
Neighborhood residents, Chris Burton and June Bryant, stopped by this warming-place on their way to school as they to enjoy the heated and soft delectables.
When asked what they thought about of the free coffee and goodies that GADC and Perfect Peace are giving out, Burton said "It is nice for the public, since people don't have time to stop and get coffee." Bryant followed with "It's exciting for people to have something FREE for the day."
Julie Welborn (C) co-owner of Perfect Peace Cafe & Bakery engages in conversation with community leaders stopping by for free coffee and pasteries.
Ernest Sanders
Much to the GADC's surprise, Burton and Bryant returned later that evening and offered more heart-felt thanks and appreciation for the organization's warm gesture.
Check our website for the next FREE COFFEE DAY!
For more information regarding Perfect Peace Cafe & Bakery please visit www.perfectpeacecafe.com or telephome them at (773) 224-CAFE (2233).