Paradox Cafe Support

The Paradox Cafe is in trouble and needs our help.

specifically;

the current managers need funds to replace a commercial espresso machine that is broken beyond repair: Monetary support needed: $2000 needed to acquire a used commercial machine - Reed is unwilling to pay for this cost. Further, the Paradox is unable to raise money itself, because any money they raise directly will be earmarked for prior debt

As one of the founding Managers, I am stepping in to set up this gofundme in order to raise the money needed for a new espresso machine. As prior lovers and supporters of the Paradox, I'm asking you to step up to help. Any money raised here will go directly towards rebuilding the Paradox cafe and keeping it a funky and independent student run operation.

Backstory: From Soeun Kim, one of three current Paradox Managers

"After a major flooding in the shop that ruined most of the furniture in the shop a few years ago, and after a year of shutdown during the COVID era, lots of things have been lost at Paradox - from coziness to financial sustainability. After years of a lack of resolution, including closures, now is the moment!

We (the current managers) have helped create a financial sustainability plan, whose assessment and approval by the administration is pending, and is taking much longer than expected, with the shop operations currently in limbo.

We are hoping that you will be a part of our demonstrating WHY Paradox matters to the Reed community, including your views on it remaining student-run. Time is of the essence!

I know that Paradox has a long history as a gathering space at Reed, and that it continues to be loved not only by current students, but alumni, including those who frequently stop by and continue to engage with the space.

Any support we can demonstrate from the larger Reed community, will help make our case that Paradox is a vital and valued space at Reed, and that a student-run cafe is the best way to use that space.

If we cannot show that this is the case, alternatives suggested to us have included things like turning Paradox into a non-cafe student space, or commissioning the cafe operations to Bon Appetit, the college's for-profit external catering partner."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/177254149001393/search/?q=paradox

Update from the current managers:

"Miles, Sky and I are reaching out to share that since our last meeting, the administration has tentatively approved Paradox opening again this semester. We have luckily found some common ground solution to the finance problem, and so now we're trying everything we can to prepare and open both shops early~mid October."

YAY! We have more than met our Goal within the first day!! Thank you everyone for your overwhelming response and continued support. Any fund funds over the goal will go directly to helping build liquidity for repairing and rebuilding the Paradox to glory. You all inspire me! - Mike

from Soeun; "The past 24 hours have been an incredible testament to the strength of the Reed community, and their love of Paradox. It's hard to believe how much support we have received in such a short period of time, and we feel so grateful."

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