Casa Brasil's "Progresso" Social Enterprise efforts

[Kala]

Hi everyone - Here is a forwarded email from Joel Shuler describing
their blend of commerce and giving back both locally and in Brazil.
More info on their website, too: http://www.casabrasilcoffees.com/progresso"

I hope all is well. As you know Lisi and I have been working hard to
develop a direct trade model for high-end coffees from Brazil. This
has finally come to fruition and we were recently accepted into all
stores in the Southwest Region of Whole Foods Market. They, along with
Wheatsville Co-op, are participating in a scholarship program we have
set up for the children of the producers (more info on this at
www.casabrasilcoffees.com). Briefly, we source from small artisan
farmers, vacuum-seal the coffee at source to maintain freshness, pay
the farmers within 3 days of delivery, and return a portion of the
proceeds directly to the farmers to give their children a chance at a
college education.

We are hosting a few events for the upcoming AIDS Walk Austin on
October 18. If you can attend and/or help us get out the word it
would be much appreciated. The Brazilian BBQ here next Saturday
should be a lot of fun. Great food, music, people and local Austin
beer! Thanks so much.

Joel

Casa Brasil will be participating in the AIDS Walk 2009 here in
Austin. The walk is Sunday, October 18 at 1:30pm, and between now and
then there are a lot of fun ways you can participate. Here are four:

DRINK GREAT COFFEE. Buy a red-ribboned Casa Brasil Coffee at any
Austin-area Whole Foods Market between October 3-18. For each can of
coffee purchased at Whole Foods Market, Casa Brasil will donate one
dollar to AIDS Services of Austin

WALK WITH US. Go to our AIDS Walk Website and join our team. You won't
regret it. http://www.asaustin.org/site/TR/Events/Walk?team_id=6981&pg=team&fr_id=1080

EAT, DRINK, DONATE. We will be hosting a Brazilian BBQ Benefit on
Saturday October 10, from 7pm-10pm here at Casa Brasil (5213 Evans
Ave). All beef is Niman Ranch Certified Angus Beef and beer will be a
gourmet selection of local brews. Salads and Sides (farofa, pao de
queijo, etc) will be authentically Brazilian. For a $40 donation, it
is all you can eat and drink. Good food. Good times. Good cause. Call
512-407-9887 or respond to this email to reserve your seat. We will be
limited to 50 seats, so please act soon.

CONTRIBUTE ONLINE. Help us meet our donation goal and give to this
great cause.http://www.asaustin.org/site/TR/Events/Walk?
team_id=6981&pg=team&fr_id=1080
Thanks for your support. Consistent with our progresso message, you
can enjoy yourself with great coffee, great food, and know that while
you are adding to the enjoyment of your life, you are helping others
add to theirs. You can get further updates on our blog and twitter
(http://www.casabrasilcoffees.com and http://twitter.com/casabrasil)