All posts by keasson

JavaJog for a Cause Takes Hiatus in 2018; Restructures for Event in 2019

January 28, 2018Latest News, Race Updatescoffee, coffee farmers, EXPO, fun, java, javajog, run, seattle, specialtycoffee, walk, womenkeasson

Founders of JavaJog for a Cause, the fun run and fundraiser benefitting women in coffee growing communities around the world, have announced that the annual event will take a hiatus in 2018, but will return in 2019 at EXPO in Boston.

“Since our first event in 2013, JavaJog fun runs have raised nearly $100,000 for projects that benefit women in coffee farming communities around the world,” explains Kimberly Easson, who co-founded JavaJog with Beth Ann Caspersen and Aimee Russillo in 2013. “JavaJog has significantly grown in size and impact since the first event in Boston in 2013. As it’s impact continues to make its mark throughout the world, it has become apparent that there is a need to take a year off to build the infrastructure to support the project’s goals, and to ensure all stakeholders receive maximum benefit from the fundraiser.”

JavaJog founders are gratified at the support shown by the global coffee community for JavaJog since the first run in Boston in 2013. The success of past events have counted on an outpouring of support from many sponsors, fundraisers, on-site volunteers, grant review committee volunteers, coffee providers, runners, walkers, press/media support and more.

“You are all the heart of JavaJog, and we are deeply indebted to you,” says Easson. Special mentions go out to JavaJog host Marcus Boni; top fundraisers Elizabeth Goldblatt, Boot Coffee, Baratza; and all of our sponsors (especially our platinum sponsors Westrock, Metad and Starbucks); star volunteers especially Laura Everage, Charlene Farmer and the Russillo family in Seattle; and the team from Run for Good Racing Company.

For more information, or to help with the planning of JavaJog 2019, email javajog@gmail.com.

Find details about the grant recipients and how they’ve used JavaJog funds at www.javajog.org

JavaJog 2017 Award Recipients Announced!

December 24, 2017Latest News, Uncategorizedcafe, cause, fitness, fun, funds, grants, race, run, seattle, specialtycoffee, womenkeasson

$18,000 to be shared across three innovative projects that support coffee farming women in Nicaragua, Rwanda, and Ecuador

After much deliberation, the JavaJog Grant Review Committee selected three projects to receive funds collected through the 2017 Seattle race. The projects support the creation of an organic farmers market in Nicaragua, a coffee seedling nursery in Rwanda, and a coffee processing and distribution center in Ecuador.

The 2017 Grant Review Committee recommended the allocation in funds in line with JavaJog’s Grant Protocol, which requires separation of the project review and evaluation process from the JavaJog Organizing Committee. The members of this year’s committee were: Charlene Lewey of King Arthur Flour (formerly of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters), Ben Schmerler of Root Capital and Katherine Nolte of Sucafina. The proposals are scored along six key criteria.

JavaJog 2017 is please to recognize the three winners!

In Nicaragua, the SOPPEXCCA coffee cooperative is embarking on an ambitious new venture: to bring organic vegetables and fruit grown by women cooperative members to the residents of Jinotega, Nicaragua. This first-ever organic farmers market, run by SOPPEXCCA, will provide a healthier alternative for the 100,000 people living in the area, while delivering opportunities for coffee farmers to diversify income and improve nutrition for their own families. JavaJog has allocated $7500 to Food 4 Farmers to implement this project in partnership with SOPPEXCCA.
The Rusave Coffee Cooperative in Rwanda will receive $5096, to work in collaboration with The Kula Project to build a seedling nursery to house and cultivate 35,000 coffee tree seedlings, and distribute coffee trees to 150 women coffee farmers, as well as provide agricultural training on the planting and maintenance of coffee trees.
In Chaucha, Ecuador, El Grupo de Mujeres (EGM) or ‘The Women’s Group’ aims to increase the economic resiliency of the residents by supporting a collaborative, community-wide and women-led project of income generation and job creation. JavaJog has awarded $5404 to The Chain Collaborative (TCC) to support EGM to build a processing and distribution center for quality coffee that will provide farming income to residents of Chaucha and surrounding communities and build job security for women and youth for years to come.

The 2017 JavaJog was made possible by the support of generous sponsors: especially our Platinum Sponsor, Metad and Gold Sponsor, Baratza. Other sponsors included: Equal Exchange, Cascade (Silver), and Marco, Equator Coffee and InterAmerican Coffee (Bronze). Sponsorships cover 100% of the costs for the race and a professional race organizer to ensure a high quality experience for the participants. This way, 100% of race registrations and funds raised can go directly to the JavaJog cause of supporting the efforts of coffee farming women around the world.

More than 120 runners and walkers gathered along the shore of Lake Union on Friday, April 21st for 5K and 10K races. In all, race registrations, individual fundraising efforts (top fundraisers were Elizabeth Goldblatt ($3315), Baratza ($1425) and Kimberly Easson ($900)), and a generous $3000 contribution by Starbucks brought the total amount of funds to be awarded to $18,000.

JavaJog will be providing progress reports on the projects as they get underway.

Thank you everyone for your hard work to make this possible!

Stay tuned for more details about the 2018 Race planned for Seattle Expo!

JavaJog 2017 Grant Review Process Underway!

August 12, 2017Uncategorizedkeasson

JavaJog is pleased to announce the members of the 2017 Grant Review Committee and the proposals currently under review.

The Committee is convened by the JavaJog Advisory Council to ensure a transparent and credible grants selection process and is made up of independent external experts who review proposals and make recommendations to the Advisory Committee on the programs to be funded. This year’s committee is made up of three members, with background in the coffee industry, development arena, and individuals with direct experience in East African coffee and development programs.

2017 JAVAJOG GRANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

Charlene Lewey, Director Trade Promotion Management, King Arthur Flour: Charlene is responsible for driving trade promotion strategy and managing all facets of the trade promotion process including post promotion analytics, process optimization, supporting technology and deductions management. Previously she worked at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (now Keurig Green Mountain) where she was Sr. Director of Order to Cash processes. She has also served as Treasurer on the board of directors for the International Women’s Coffee Alliance and was formerly the Chairperson of the Board of Food4Farmers.

Katherine Nolte, Coffee Trader and Sustainability Coordinator, Sucafina: Kat has background in coffee trading and finance, international business strategy advising, and green coffee supply chain development with a specialization in East African coffee. She recently opened Sucafina’s West Coast quality lab in Seattle. Kat is Vice Chair of the Sustainability Council of the Specialty Coffee Association.

Ben Schmerler, Senior Director Philanthropy, Root Capital: Ben is responsible for overseeing all philanthropy fundraising, building relationships and engagement strategies with existing and potential donors, investors, government institutions and value chain actors. He provides management, oversight, and leadership towards achieving Root Capital’s strategic objectives. Previously, Ben was a senior global supply chain manager at Fair Trade USA, and he has spent many years working and bicycling across the planet. Ben is member of the Sustainability Council for the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and owns a small espresso bar in Boston. He holds a B.A. in environmental policy and political science from the University of Washington and speaks French, Spanish, and Wolof.

We are grateful to these individuals for their service and support of JavaJog!

2017 JAVAJOG GRANT PROPOSALS RECEIVED

We have received 5 innovative proposals which are currently under review:

COMAL The Heritage Hen Project: Cultural Preservation, Food Sovereignty, and Income Diversification Among Mayan Women Coffee Producers
The Chain Collaborative: Women Build the Future in Chaucha, Ecuador
Food4Farmers: Women coffee farmers bring organic produce to the Jinotega community
Girls Gotta Run Foundation: Scholarship and Savings Fund Project
The Kula Project: Rwanda nursery and seedling distribution project

Stay tuned for the announcement of the grant recipients!

JavaJog 2017 Results Are In!

May 31, 2017Uncategorizedkeasson

$18,000 to fund efforts to support women in coffee growing communities

Grant Proposals Now Being Accepted!

Another successful JavaJog in Seattle brought together nearly 100 runners and walkers for fun, camaraderie and a great cause April 21st at South Lake Union Park in Seattle. Thanks to our valuable sponsors and many volunteers and fundraisers, JavaJog 2017 raised $18,000 which can now be allocated to projects that invest in women in coffee producing communities around the world.

Top fundraisers this year were Elizabeth Goldblatt ($3315), Baratza ($1425) and Kimberly Easson ($900). Starbucks made a $3000 contribution to the cause, and race registrations for nearly 100 runners and walkers brought the total funds raised to just under $18,000.

Grant proposals are being accepted through June 21st. Please find the application and information about the process here.

JavaJog Goes Global!

March 23, 2017Uncategorized10K, 5K, cause, coffee, fitness, fun, race, run, seattle, specialtycoffee, womenkeasson

March, 2017 – After a one year hiatus, the Java Jog for a Cause event is back in Seattle and ready to welcome coffee aficionados, runners, walkers and friends for this annual fun run and fundraiser. Since 2013 Java Jog for a Cause has raised more than $75,000 for women in coffee growing communities in Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This year, Java Jog organizers are pleased to announce that the theme for the 2017 run is Global and encourages women’s groups from around the world to apply for the money that is earned through this year’s race.

“It’s so exciting to open up the grant process and broaden our scope to have a global reach,” explains co-founder Beth Ann Caspersen. “We have enjoyed such tremendous success in years past as we raised money for women in coffee growing communities. What is exciting about this year’s event is we have invited women’s groups in coffee producing countries from all corners of the world to apply for our grants. All of the funds that earn from the runners go directly to the grants we award.”

Over the past 4 years, the impact of both larger and smaller grants has been tremendous — from the support of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance in the DRC, who directly supported the Tuungane cooperative to help construct their first washing station in 2014, to our grant to Girls Gotta Run in Ethiopia, which provided Athletic Scholarships for girls and micro-business grants to each of their households, while directly impacting nearly 150 family members in the Wolita coffee-growing region of Ethiopia. “We are really proud of the grants we have supported and the women’s groups that are putting the funds to great use,” adds Caspersen of their progress.

“But, she adds, “we can’t do it without you! Java Jog for a Cause needs your support.”

Here’s how can you support Java Jog for a Cause:

Sign up to be a runner or walker,
Volunteer on the day of the race: Sign up here, to help out on race day.
Sponsor a runner: Visit the Crowdrise site and sponsor a runner.
Donate to one of the fundraisers on Crowdrise
Give us a shout of support and spread the word on social media, @javajog, #javajog2017!

Java Jog for a Cause Race Details:

Date: Friday, April 21, 2017

Who: Anyone can participate!
Time: 7:00am 10K Run; 7:30am 5K Run and Walk
Location: South Lake Union Park (Transportation details here)
Register: To register, visit SCA Global Coffee Expo or JavaJog.org

Fundraising: We will again work through Crowdrise to help collect donations for JavaJog 2017. Teams and individuals are encouraged to spread the word and collect donations. Prizes will be awarded for the top three fundraisers this year. Start your fundraiser or support a runner at the JavaJog Crowdrise page

REGISTER!

March 23, 2017Uncategorizedkeasson

Its easy to register for JavaJog 2017:

SCA Global Coffee Expo

JavaJog direct registration

Here is all you need to know to set up your fundraiser!

Pack Your Running Shoes: JavaJog Returns to Seattle April 21st

January 30, 2017Uncategorizedkeasson

jj2017

Don’t forget to pack your running shoes! JavaJog returns to Seattle this April in conjunction with the SCA Global Specialty Coffee Expo. Since 2013, JavaJog has brought together hundreds of coffee aficionados, runners, walkers and friends to raise more than $75,000 in support of coffee women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia through local organizations on the ground.

After a year hiatus, the JavaJog organizing committee is committed to producing another great fun run and fundraiser. JavaJog 2017 will be held Friday, April 21st at South Lake Union Park in Seattle and will again focus on raising money for women in coffee growing regions from around the world.

“This year’s goal is to welcome 250 runners who will collectively raise $25,000 for projects to support women throughout the world,” explains Kimberly Easson, a JavaJog co-founder.

“We are confident that our mission to connect women to the coffee community and funnel resources to projects that enable them to improve their position, their well-being and that of their families, farms, communities and organizations, will be met,” she added.

Adding to the race-day fun, will be Marcus Boni, who will join us again this year as the emcee. Boni is sure to have a few tricks up his sleeve, but expect to get ready for the race with a little pre-race warm ups and a few heats of our popular coffee bag sack races. Race-day coffee will be available, as will other vendors. Be sure to challenge your friends and colleagues to make this the biggest and best JavaJog event ever — set up a lively competition for the fastest runner, craziest costume, or highest fundraiser.

Established early in 2013 by Kimberly Easson, Beth Ann Caspersen, and Aimee Russillo. The Founders’ Run was held in Boston with 15 runners and raised $7500, which was donated to the women’s committee of the Sopacdi farmer’s cooperative in South Kivu, DRC. JavaJog 2014 raised more than $35,000 for coffee-farming women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The $23,000 raised in the 2015 JavaJog for a Cause has been awarded to two organizations working to better the lives of women in coffee growing communities in Ethiopia: Grounds for Health in partnership with Sidamo Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union, and the Girls Gotta Run Foundation.

Thank you to our current JavaJog 2017 Gold Sponsors: Equal Exchange and Baratza. For information about sponsorship levels, contact javajog@gmail.com

Join us again this year at South Lake Union Park for fun, camaraderie and a great cause! Race start times are 7am for the 10K, and 7:30am for the 5K.

To register, visit SCA Global Coffee Expo or JavaJog.org

Start your fundraiser or support a runner at the JavaJog Crowdrise page.

Back by popular demand! JavaJog Seattle 2017

October 16, 2016Uncategorizedkeasson

JavaJog returns again to Seattle this April in conjunction with the annual Expo of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). Join us Friday April 21st at South Lake Union Park ~ race start times are 7am for the 10K, and 7:30am for the 5K.

This popular SCAA event has brought together hundreds of coffee aficionados, runners, walkers and friends to raise more than $75,000 in the first three races. These funds have been put to work in support of coffee women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia through local organizations on the ground. Read more about the grants here.

Join us again this year at South Lake Union Park for fun, camaraderie and a great cause!

SPONSORS INVITED

Get the Race Details here.

REGISTER through the Global Specialty Coffee Expo registration process, or here.

Set up a fundraiser or sponsor a runner/walker here.

JavaJog Comes to Dublin as Part of World of Coffee

June 13, 2016Uncategorized10K, 5K, coffee, compete, dublin, fun, race, womenkeasson

Come one, come all!

Join your friends, coffee colleagues and competitors for a fun run/walk – all for a great cause! The 2016 JavaJog coincides with the biggest coffee show ever to happen in Dublin, The World of Coffee.

We expect more than 100 participants to join in the fun, and to help us raise more than $7500 for projects that support women in coffee producing communities.

The race will take place on the scenic beach at Sandymount, just a short distance from the conference site, at 8:30am Saturday, June 25th.

Set up a lively competition for the fastest runner, craziest costume, highest fundraiser – challenge your friends and colleagues to make this the biggest and best JavaJog event ever.

At previous events in conjunction with SCAA Expos in Boston and Seattle (in 2013, 2014 and 2015), more than 200 runners and walkers have come together – and in total raised more than $75,000 for great causes.

FUNDRAISE! DONATE! Set up your fundraising page, or donate – and check out our easy fundraising tips.

JavaJog for a Cause Commits to 2017 in Seattle

December 11, 2015Latest Newskeasson

The founders committee for JavaJog for a Cause, an annual event that raises money and awareness for women in coffee producing communities, announces that no official run will be held in 2016 in Atlanta, but has recommitted to holding the popular event again in 2017 in Seattle. Traditionally held in conjunction with the SCAA Annual Conference and Exhibition, JavaJog has raised more than $65,000 for women in coffee growing communities since it’s inception in 2013.

Citing the increased logistics and cost of running the event in Atlanta, where the SCAA will hold its annual conference and exhibition in 2016, JavaJog organizers have made the decision to postpone the event until 2017, when the SCAA returns to Seattle.

“We remain committed to raising awareness and money for women in coffee growing communities throughout the world. By holding off this year, and returning to Seattle in 2017, where the logistics to run and promote the race are already in place, and the costs associated with producing the event are less, we can ensure the beneficiaries of the race will receive maximum support,” explains Kimberly Easson, co founder of JavaJog for a Cause.

The JavaJog organizing committee remains committed to producing another great fun run and fundraiser when the SCAA returns to Seattle in 2017. “By focusing our efforts on making the 2017 and 2018 runs in Seattle bigger and better, we are confident that our mission to connect women to the coffee community and funnel resources to projects that enable them to improve their position, their well-being and that of their families, farms, communities and organizations, will be met,” Easson added.

“We want to thank all the runners, supporters and sponsors who have participated in JavaJog since its inception. With your support, women around the world have benefited from this great fundraiser,” said Easson.

To learn more about the cause, visit JavaJog for a Cause. For more information about the race, or sponsorship opportunities, please email javajog@gmail.com