Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
COFFEE FOR CHARITY
On Giving Tuesday, ‘celebrity baristas’ raise money for West Chester’s Melton Center
WEST CHESTER >> For a half-hour on Giving Tuesday, West Chester University President Chris Fiorentino let the university run itself without him and took a second job as a celebrity barista.
Fiorentino slung coffee at student-run coffee shop Saxbys to collect funds for the Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center, during the pay what you wish event. And the prez nailed it. Fiorentino said he didn’t drop or spill anything and got all the orders right.
The president said he loves interacting with the students and said there’s a little bit of celebrity associated with being president of WCU.
Fiorentino looked around at the packed coffee shop and more than a dozen students working on laptops and saluted Saxbys for hiring all paid student workers. The event generated $2,000 for the Melton Center, with an additional match of $2,000 by Saxbys.
Saxbys gives paid student workers a true look at business.
“They are all having this learning experience,” he said
about the student workers. “It’s not a simulation.”
Kelly Ingram is the inaugural student café executive director. She earns a salary, while earning 12 credits.
Since the shop opened up this summer, Ingram said she has gained handson experience, and learned a lot about team development, community leadership and financial management.
Saxbys founder and CEO Nick Bayer said that Philadelphia, “The World’s Largest College Town,” is the perfect place to establish a student-run shop.
“We seek young people that like serving others,” he said. “We believe that you serve yourself by serving others.”
Bayer is matching the monetary gift made by students and the public. Giving Tuesday is a national event held during November, with December the month when Americans support charities the most.
“It makes you feel good doing things for other people,” he said, “This isn’t just a coffee shop.”
Mayor Dianne Herrin served as a barista.
“The Saxby’s model of not only employing students, but empowering them to manage the entire business is fantastic,” said Herrin. “The model also focuses on ethical decisionmaking, and the students’ decision to share profits with The Melton Center on this Giving Tuesday is an intentional commitment to our community and the roots that make West Chester strong. I am grateful for their donation and had great fun working as a barista!”
Golden Ram Cheerleaders greeted patrons at the door.
Cheerleader and sophomore psychology major Liz Schlosser was thrilled to see her fellow students and shop employees out to support a great cause.
Kim Bonfiglio is a sophomore exercise science major and was enjoying a vanilla bean cold brew.
She said everybody seems happy at this time of the year. Bonfiglio especially enjoys holiday music, decorations and lights.
Greg Galiffa is a manager at Saxbys.
“It’s such a big part to serve and give back to the community,” he said. “We always look for these opportunities.”
CBS 3 Reporter Pat Gallen ‘07, WCU VP for Student Affairs Zeb Davenport and WCU Alumni Association President Lisa Wright Bryant ‘87 also served as celebrity baristas.
Emmy Award winning WCU Alum Courtland Bragg ‘14, QVC On-Air Guest Specialist Justin Sochovka and Miss WCU Jamie Thomas-McDowell also served coffee.