Every year, Cade's Coffee Bar raises hundreds—now thousands—of dollars for FOP research. 

But behind the fundraiser is a surprisingly simple setup that any family could replicate. We asked Cade's parents, Ben and Wendy Russell, to walk us through exactly how they do it.

It started small, on purpose

After a long medical journey, Cade was diagnosed with FOP at the age of two and a half. 

"We started the Coffee Bar as a way to raise a small amount of funds for the IFOPA and to get Cade involved in the process of raising those funds," Ben explains. In the early years, the plan was simple: invite family and friends over on a Saturday morning for coffee and light snacks. For every cup served, Wendy and Ben would donate $2 to the IFOPA.

"We didn't really intend it to be something that other people would contribute to—just a small way for our family to be involved," Ben says. But their community had other ideas.

"Because our family and friends are very kind and generous, it grew into a time for us to raise funds for the IFOPA." Ben and Wendy still donate $2 per cup, but now guests are welcome to give too—no pressure, just an open invitation. "We just want them to come and have a cup of coffee or two so that Wendy and I can donate."

The coffee fundraiser has also helped Cade take ownership of his story and learn how to talk about FOP instead of relying on his parents to explain. 

Keeping the guest list close

So far, the Russells have kept the event intentionally small, inviting family, church friends, and neighbors. "At some point we may expand it to co-workers as well," Ben says.

"I have a very demanding job in marketing, and hosting large events is difficult for me to take on and manage,” Wendy said. “So, when we started talking about fundraising, our intent was to start small and grow the event each year. Don’t feel like you must host and manage a huge event. We intentionally started with what we could handle in our schedule."

The setup is simpler than you'd think

A few tables on their deck do most of the work:

• One for coffee with all the fixings—creamers, sugar, flavored syrups
• One for "magic milk," a kid-friendly favorite made with milk, flavored straws, a splash of vanilla syrup, and sprinkles. 

Friends have volunteered to bring donuts, so there are usually several dozen on hand alongside the drinks.

The Russells also set up a TV playing videos about FOP, including ones made for Cade's school, so guests can see firsthand how FOP affects Cade day to day and the progress being made through IFOPA-funded research.

Low prep, high impact

The whole event runs about two hours, and the prep is minimal by design. "There is intentionally very little food prep," Ben says. "It's basically buying the coffee and milk and setting it up to be served as people arrive." Wendy's brothers typically handle brewing the coffee, which frees up Ben and Wendy to greet guests and spend time with the people who showed up to support Cade.

A model worth borrowing

Cade's Coffee Bar proves that a fundraiser doesn't need to be elaborate to make a real impact. A few tables, some coffee, and a couple of hours with people who care can add up to real support for FOP research—AND a meaningful way for a family to raise awareness together.

Thinking about starting your own fundraiser?  However big or small, the IFOPA is here to help make it happen.

Contact Charles Hunsaker, Philanthropy Manager, at [email protected] or +1 (816) 200-0082.