Reflecting on 2010, we're thankful the following events took place:
In January, we collaborated with Mission Year for the first Overflow event in partnership with a nonprofit organization.
In March, we had a “Going Green” event for Overflow. It was partially to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, to fundraise, and to showcase Overflow’s mission. It was a lot of fun, complete with live Irish music and a leprechaun.
In April, we purchased a portable espresso machine to use for catering and fundraising events. We’ve used it at several events since and at parties in our home. It has been a great help in practicing our latte art.
In June, 2 major events happened:
1. We held our first event in the building where Overflow will be located. We called the event Café Con Brio and had a great time with live performances from multiple artists and yummy food and espresso. If this was any indication of future events, Overflow is going to really impact the arts.
2. We moved from our 1-bedroom apartment to a 3-bedroom and acquired 2 roommates (and our cat got 2 new feline friends!). We made this move to have a larger living room for having parties and to save money. It’s been great living in community.
In July, we celebrated 4 years of marriage with a “staycation.” We enjoyed the city and used the money we would’ve spent on travel/hotel taking advantage of July 4th sales.
Toward the end of July, beginning of August, Amanda completed a coffee shop marathon at the Common Cup in Rogers Park while the owner was out of town. Through the marathon, we raised over $10,000 for Overflow’s plumbing and electric costs and Brandon cut his shoulder-length hair as a result of raising so much.
In September, we had an Overflow booth at the Bash on Wabash, a South Loop street festival. We got to meet hundreds of our neighbors in the South Loop and share with them about Overflow. In return, they shared with us how much they desire an independent coffee shop in our neighborhood.
Currently, Overflow is moving forward. We are currently negotiating a lease and will have it signed by December 31.
We are very hopeful for 2011 and the opening of the physical doors of Overflow Coffee Bar in March.
If you'd like to be part of Overflow's beginning, please consider participating giving a financial gift or making a purchase on our website. Any gift or purchase is appreciated and beneficial. Your gift will be used to purchase equipment and furniture and help us get started sooner and with less debt. To give, look on the right-hand side of this page and click "ChipIn!" To purchase a product go to www.overflowcoffeebar.org/shop.html.
We're partnering with Nichols Farm & Orchard in Marengo, Illinois to bring you fresh, local fruits and vegetables this summer and fall. 
