Frequently Asked Questions…

What is JavaJog?

JavaJog brings together fun and fitness in coffee community – all to benefit a great cause.  In 2013 and 2014, the cause was the coffee women in the Congo who face tremendous hardship in their quest to rebuild their communities and produce great coffee.  In 2015, JavaJog plans to shine the spotlight on women in the SCAA Portrait Country: Ethiopia.

JavaJog founders are Kimberly Easson, Beth Ann Caspersen, Aimee Russillo. JavaJog has a small group of advisors (including the founders) that oversee our activities and make decisions on funding allocation.

 When was JavaJog established?

JavaJog was established in early 2013 and we held our first ‘Founders Run’ in Boston, April 12 2013. The Boston race had 15 runners and raised $7500, which was donated to the women’s committee of the Sopacdi farmer’s cooperative in South Kivu, DRC.  We have also counted on the support of a number of volunteers and many donors.

Where and when is the upcoming race?

Friday, April 10^th 2015at 7:30am for the 5K run/walk, (7am for the 10K),  Starting point is at South Lake Union Park in Seattle, Washington

If I run, do I have to fundraise?

It is not necessary to fundraise once you’ve paid the registration fee.  However, we’ve set a goal to exceed the amount of funds raised in 2014  – $35,000 –  and hope that all runners will do something to raise awareness and financial support.  If 100 runners raise an average of $351 each, we’ll surpass our goal!

Is JavaJog a 501c3?

No, JavaJog for a Cause is so far an informal initiative by a handful of volunteers that enjoy running and want to do something meaningful for coffee women in coffee producing countries.  The founding advisors are committed to funneling as much of the funds raised directly to the women, and have  so far decided not to formalize the JavaJog initiative as a 501c3.  The group will consider this option among others after the 2015 Seattle race. Online donations made through Crowdrise will receive a tax receipt directly from Crowdrise.

 Where do the funds go?

In 2014, through an application process, the Grant Review Committee recommended the allocation and distribution of funds to three organizations working with women’s groups in coffee communities Eastern Congo, South Lake Kivu region.  The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) is the US based 501c3 that received the funds and passed them on to the recipient organizations at no cost. Online donations made through Crowdrise will receive a tax receipt directly from Crowdrise.  Donations over $500 can be made directly by check to CQI who will issue a tax receipt for that amount.

In 2013, 50% of the funds collected were invested in productive improvements by the women’s group at Sopacdi Farmer Cooperative in the DR Congo, including buying a motor for wet mill equipment, and receiving specialized training.  The other half was donated to a local crisis medical center to provide health services and counseling to women affected by the ongoing violence in the area.

Who oversees that the funds are well spent?

We have local partners on the ground who are working with the women’s groups to assure that there is a clear implementation plan in place for the funds. Reports of the use of the funds will be given to JavaJog and be made public on the JavaJog website.