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