Unique fundraiser, ‘Coffee Beans & Toe Beans’ held at Avenue Coffee

By Christopher Miller

LOCK HAVEN – Felines and frappuccinos; that was the theme Saturday morning at Avenue Coffee in Lock Haven.

The event, formally called Coffee Beans & Toe Beans, was organized by the Clinton County SPCA and Avenue Coffee as a “pop-up cat cafe fundraiser” for the SPCA and their feline friends.

“We want to get people interested in adopting these beautiful cats and kittens,” said Ravynne, the Outreach Coordinator at the local SPCA. “We want to get people interested in coming into the shelter and adopting cats which we have quite a few of right now, and with kitten season fast approaching, more will certainly find their way to us.”

Currently, the SPCA houses between 20 and 25 cats and kittens.

“It was a cute idea to plan and have here and incorporate it with a local business,” said Ravynne.

“Cat cafes” have been popping up more recently in bigger cities and metropolitan areas specifically with the intent of connecting people with coffee, books, and cats. While some businesses have their own “shop cat,” the cafes offer patrons the chance to sip a coffee, read a book, and connect with a feline friend.

The event at Avenue Coffee was held in a contained area at the coffee shop: the back room, a space usually reserved for meetings, small events, and now cats and kittens.

“This is going to be the cats’ pajamas,” Avenue Coffee Manager Jared Conti wrote on social media prior to the event.

Foot traffic at the coffee shop was certainly higher than normal Saturday morning due to the event.

“We want people to know they can come into the shelter at any time, Monday – Friday from 12 to 7 PM to pick up an application to adopt or volunteer with us,” Ravynne said. “We even have a TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) program at the shelter for feral cats.”

The event, which was deemed very successful, may become an annual or semi-annual event for Avenue Coffee and the Clinton County SPCA.