TOPEKA (KSNT) – Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Deli opened its doors to the community for an afternoon of food and fun on Sunday, April 18, to raise money for the Pet Assistance Network of Topeka (PANT).
Higher Grounds pays employees a living wage and does not pay tips. Instead, customers are encouraged to donate money to support a local nonprofit. The beneficiary each quarter, and this spring, proceeds are going to PANT.
PANT helps care for animals temporarily separated from their families due to homelessness or other hardships. The organization covers the cost of keeping animals in licensed shelters while owners work to get back on their feet.
Higher Grounds majority owner Jordan Noller said hosting a fundraiser was a natural fit, but attracting attention required a familiar local face, boxer John “The Iron Man” Cantrell.
Support PANT at Higher Grounds Coffee House & Deli
“John Cantrell was nice enough to sign posters, donate his time, donate a basket and kind of be the face to help bring people in,” Noller said.
Cantrell said supporting the event was about giving back to the community that supports him.
“It’s all about paying it forward,” Cantrell said. “It’s about Topekans helping Topeka, and giving back to the community that serves us, and that helps us and takes care of us.”
Noller and Cantrell have partnered on several community efforts in the past, noting a mutual dedication to supporting Topeka.
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