Help the Run Across Ethiopia in October

Even if we paid our farmers more than the fair-trade price for their coffee, they still could not maintain a sustainable way of life because they lack access to clean water, dependable healthcare, and education for their children. On The Ground provides a way of breaking that cycle.”
~ Chris Treter, Founder Higher Grounds Trading and On The Ground

On the Ground is a nonprofit based in Traverse City. Their major project is the Run Across Ethiopia, a run that is designed to raise awareness and money to build and operate schools in Ethiopia’s coffee growing region. Starting on January 8, 2011 and spanning 12 days, a small group of runners will run 400 kilometers across Southern Ethiopia. Check down at the end of this post for more about On the Ground.

October is Fair Trade month and they have a full slate of events to build awareness, raise money and (of course) celebrate coffee!

Open House Fundraiser for Run Across Ethiopia at Pangea’s Pizza – Saturday, October 2 – 5-9 PM
Free Pizza, Meet and Mingle, and Happy Hour Drink Prices!!! Pangea is also donating a portion of proceeds from their Ethiopian inspired pizza to Run Across Ethiopia!

Downtown Celebration for Run Across Ethiopia at Crema – Wednesday, October 6 from 5-8 PM
Door Prizes, Live Music, H’ors doerves provided by Crema, Free Tasting of Leelanau Wines. Crema is donating all their Ethiopian brewed coffee proceeds for the month of October to help us build schools in Ethiopia!

Higher Grounds Trading Co. – Chris Dorman CD Release – Thursday, October 14th at 7 PM

Food for Thought – Run For Ethiopia – Saturday, October 16th from 5-10 PM
A special evening of running, pasta and film (everything you need to be happy in life!). Following the races (5K, 10K, and 1M fun run), participants and their families can hang out on the farm and enjoy a post-race pasta dinner featuring the launch of Food For Thought’s new Wild Leek Marinara Sauce! After dinner, the movie Black Gold will be shown. Bring your running shoes, blanket, loved ones and help Ethiopia!

Lake Ann Advent Church – Joshua Davis in Concert – Sunday, October 17 at 7 PM

Old Town Coffee – Tuesday October 19th – All Day
Portion of Proceeds of Sales all day will go to Run Across Ethiopia