Spring Break
Free coffee shop to open tonight
KIMBERLY COOPER
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The Bean'ry, located at the corner of Thomas and Doughtery Streets, is a non-profit coffee house sponsored by Chi Alpha, a University Christian student organization, and several local businesses.
The event will feature Westobou, a South Carolina band that mixes the sounds of rock and roll with folk music.
This new establishment, which will provide free coffee and food nightly during the weekends, serves as a place for artists and musical guests to share their talents.
"I think it's vital to have a project like this to break down racial, gender, religious and socioeconomic barriers," said Jason Dominy, manager and director of the Bean'ry. "Although it's sponsored by a Christian organization, it is not a project with a particular religious agenda. Instead, it will be a meeting place where people can come together and share some sort of common ground."
In addition to Chi Alpha, the project is funded by local businesses including: Blue Sky Coffee, Jittery Joe's Coffee Roasting Co., Candy, The 40 Watt Club, Big City Bread Co., Zim's Bagel Bakery Cafe and Catering, Apex Signs & Designs, Screener's Printing and Wuxtry Records.
"This project shows character for local businesses who are supporting it," said Joanna Duke, public relations volunteer for the Bean'ry. "When I've talked with other people about this project, they are surprised at the fact it's free and then become inquisitive, asking, 'Why?' The Bean'ry is going to be a great example of service to the community."
The Bean'ry will be open every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Outlets donate one percent to American Cancer Society
Students can shop to raise money for the American Cancer Society Saturday as Tanger Outlet Center in Commerce hosts its seventh annual Breast Cancer Awareness "1 percent Saturday."
"Each center across the country designates one Saturday during October where one percent of the entire shopping sales is donated to ACS in honor of breast cancer awareness," said
Mike Buescher, director of marketing and promotions for Tanger Outlet Centers.
The outlet supports breast cancer research and awareness because its "target shopper is female and there is not a cause that's closer to our audience than breast cancer," Buescher said.
Last year, the Commerce outlet center donated $14,000 to the Athens chapter of the American Cancer Society, which serves 14 counties.
"Anytime you get money, it's of huge value to us, no matter how much it is," said Karen Lewis, community income manager for the local chapter.
Money from private and public donors impacts students at the University by going toward scholarships for cancer survivors, research and raising awareness on campus, Lewis said.
Tiffany Smith, a senior from Vidalia and a founding member of the University's American Cancer Society, said she plans to shop Saturday.
"Anything done to raise awareness and money for breast cancer should be supported," Smith said.
-- Angela McConnell
