Coffee for a Cause Helps Pave the Pathway for Student Success

Saxbys recently set out on a new mission to Make Life Better one coffee at a time by establishing a fellowship program for Community College of Philadelphia students.

The grand opening of Saxbys at 1800 Chestnut Street featured a celebrity lineup of baristas who welcomed patrons to enjoy coffee for a cause at a “pay-as-you-wish” price, with proceeds benefiting the College.

Throngs of Philadelphians crowded the location throughout the course of 12 hours to have their orders handed to them by guest baristas who included Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, City Councilman Allan Domb, Chris Long and Rodney McLeod of the Philadelphia Eagles, State Representative Jordan Harris, Fox 29 TV Host Quincy Harris and others.

Jessica Gehring was “super excited” to have her coffee served to her by Eagles’ linebacker, Chris Long.

“[I] wanted to come see the celebrity baristas, of course, but this is my neighborhood so I was excited to know that Saxbys was opening right on my corner,” said Gehring. “I think it’s awesome that they’re donating locally; it’s super important.”

Councilman Domb kicked off the guest barista lineup, happy to see another Philadelphia-based business give back to the city.

“We’re seeing more and more business actually getting involved in the community of Philadelphia which really speaks volumes for the entrepreneurs and businesses in Philly,” said Domb. “The more we can do that, the better we’ll make our whole community.”

During the event, Nick Bayer, CEO and founder of Saxbys and a member of the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation Board, delivered a surprise announcement met with cheers and applause: in addition to Saxbys matching all proceeds from the grand opening for the fellowship, The Maguire Foundation will match the combined total raised.

The Maguire Foundation works to improve “the quality of life for people through investment in education, the arts and humanities, as well as hunger and homelessness.

“I’ve only been here a couple months but this is what Philly is all about—helping each other out,” said Long.

Mayor Kenney emphasized the importance of ensuring that higher education is affordable and accessible for Philadelphians.

“These days with college education being as expensive as it is, a lot of our people will go and get their core curricula done at community and pay less money—it’s a great bargain,” said Kenney.

Dr. Generals, president of the College, said in addition to scholarship dollars, it creates employment pathways for students.  

“…our students not only will have an opportunity to have scholarships, but they will also have an opportunity to be able to work here as well,” said Dr. Generals. “To be able to work and learn is the best way to graduate, ultimately, at the College.”

The collaborative effort between Saxbys and the College to empower students is reflective of the opportunities and possibilities that exist thanks to Bayer and a number of other leaders who joined the College’s foundation board this year. The other new Foundation directors are Malcolm Jenkins, founder, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, and safety, Philadelphia Eagles; Rasheia Johnson, treasurer, city of Philadelphia; Jill Michal, vice president for Business Transformation, Independence Blue Cross; Priya Roy, associate, Ballard Spahr, LLP; Simran Sidhu, executive director, HIVE; and Michael Soileau, vice president of Planning and Strategy, Comcast.