Submitted by the Ohio River Foundation.

Cincinnati Coffee Festival’s new “Fill the Cup” fundraiser lets participants help combat food insecurity, protect drinking water and support local coffee shops – all while enjoying some delicious perks.

Throughout the month of December, coffee lovers can make a $20 donation at www.cincinnaticoffeefestival.com.

Funds raised will be split between two local nonprofits: Ohio River Foundation (ORF) and Freestore Foodbank.

(Ohio River Foundation produces the annual Cincinnati Coffee Festival.)

Donors can show their receipt at select coffee shops around the city to get discounts or specials. Online offers are also available.

Participating shops include event sponsors Carabello Coffee, Deeper Roots and Mad Llama as well as Awakenings,

The Chocolate Bee, Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse, The Kidd Coffee Company, La Terza Coffee, O Pie O, Unataza Coffee, Wandercup and Wise Ape Tea (online).

Their “Fill the Cup” offers include a free brewed coffee at Awakenings and a free small drip coffee with any food purchase at Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse. Shops are continuing to sign up; visit www.cincinnaticoffeefestival.com for the full list.

Rich Cogen, ORF’s executive director, said the fundraiser will help meet several needs in our community this holiday season.

“In this time of COVID-19, food needs have exploded around our region, which sparked the decision to partner with Freestore Foodbank for ‘Fill the Cup,’” he said. “We also want to support local coffee shops, which have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.”

Additionally, the need to protect our drinking water, ORF’s mission, hasn’t diminished during the pandemic. The nonprofit canceled this year’s Cincinnati Coffee Festival, which was scheduled for Sept. 12 and 13 at Cincinnati Music Hall, because of COVID-19. The event typically raises $50,000 to support ORF’s education, habitat restoration and advocacy work, all aimed at protecting and improving the water quality and ecology of the Ohio River and its watershed. Coffee has a natural connection to that mission: Without great water, you can’t have great coffee.

“Although we had to cancel the festival for the safety of our attendees, vendors, volunteers and staff, we still need funds to support our programs,” Cogen said. “Donating to ‘Fill the Cup’ will help us continue our critical conservation efforts until we can meet in person again at next year’s Cincinnati Coffee Festival, set for Oct. 23-24, 2021 at Cincinnati Music Hall.”

To participate in “Fill the Cup,” visit www.cincinnaticoffeefestival.com.

About Cincinnati Coffee Festival

Cincinnati Coffee Festival is the Midwest’s largest coffee festival, attracting thousands of attendees and vendors from around the region. Activities such as the Latte Art in Action, coffee- and tea-themed demonstrations and live music make it a can’t-miss event for local coffee lovers. For more information, visit CincinnatiCoffeeFestival.com.

About Ohio River Foundation

Ohio River Foundation (ORF) is dedicated to protecting and improving the water quality and ecology of the Ohio River and all waters in its 11-state watershed. ORF works towards these goals through environmental education, conservation and advocacy activities that serve to inspire environmental stewardship for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens.

In 2020, ORF celebrates its 20th anniversary of Ohio River watershed work. During its history, the nonprofit has reached 53,000 students with its freshwater education programs; restored and reconnected more than 210 miles of rivers; removed four dams; planted 6,000 trees; and eliminated more than 300,000 invasive plants.

For more information, visit www.ohioriverfdn.org.