Hi there! My name is Chloé, and I am raising money for Coffee Cat in Auburn, AL.

Coffee Cat has been an Auburn staple for seven years now. The owner, Maddie, has a big heart for this community and has made it her mission to welcome every person who walks through the doors of Coffee Cat with open arms. Unfortunately, like many other beloved Auburn local small businesses, the past year and a half have hit Coffee Cat hard. In March 2020, they were forced to close their doors and watch and wait as everything unfolded. With her employees furloughed, Maddie did absolutely everything within her power to make sure that they and Coffee Cat survived. Slimming down, pinching pennies, and even paying business expenses out of her own pocket, Maddie was determined to do whatever it took.

As her close friend, I have watched Maddie fight relentlessly for her business and employees for over a year, since they reopened in July of 2020. Like so many other local businesses, facing challenges such as having a reduced staff, reduced hours of operation, and having to follow strict regulations about capacity and service made it very difficult for them to keep the doors open. Then, amazingly, on may 14th Coffee Cat had its application for the RRF (Restaurant Revitalization Fund, as part of the CARES ACT) approved. The congratulatory email said it would be 3-7 business days until funds were deposited. When Maddie told me about it, I could see the weight of the world lifting off her shoulders, they were finally getting the much-needed help they had been hoping and waiting for.

However, 7 days came and went, and then another 7, and still no deposit was made.

For weeks Maddie continued to fight, slowly having to reduce hours of operation, and taking more and more shifts behind the bar at Coffee Cat. Her devotion to her business and her employees has been monumental, and her willingness to continue to fight for this place and the people she loves has been unwavering.

Finally, after many weeks of waiting, we got an answer. Sometime between May 14th and June 30th the SBA was sued for discrimination for apparently offering priority status to businesses owned by women and other minority groups. On June 30th, the SBA started rescinding offers promised to these groups. Sadly, this issue that seems so political is affecting real people. Coffee Cat will not be receiving these desperately needed funds, due directly to these lawsuits.

Right now, Coffee Cat is in a very difficult position. With just five weeks between now and the students returning to Auburn (at which time business will pick up again), the coffers are completely empty. So I am reaching out to the community on Coffee Cat’s behalf, and asking for your help so that this beloved local Auburn treasure can stay for many years to come. Our goal is simple: to bridge the gap between now and the students returning for the Fall semester.

There are a few ways you can help. We are now asking for donations of any size, all of which will be greatly appreciated, to help us reach our goal of $8,000. We also would appreciate any gift card purchases during this time, as we understand many are out of town now, but will return again in the fall.

If you are unable to give, please consider sharing this page with friends and family who may be interested! We are so thankful for each and every one of you and hope to see Coffee Cat serve the Auburn community for many years to come.

With love and thanks,

Chloé

**If you would like to purchase a gift card to Coffee Cat, please do so by clicking here.