ST. GEORGE — Featuring a charity event designed to raise awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the St. George coffee shop and more Perks! Espresso & Smoothies is celebrating its 15th anniversary Saturday at their Sunset Boulevard location from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Besides the charitable side of the day, as a thank you to the community for its years of support, Perks! is excited to host the day-long celebration that will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, bounce houses, a barbecue, an open mic session, live music from several local bands throughout the day, a $500 Perks! basket giveaway and birthday cake.
“It’s going to be a fun-filled day,” said Ron Hanna one of the owners of Perks! who goes by the self-given title of “supportive husband.”
Lori Hanna, another owner, told St. George News that Perks! Espresso & Smoothies was built on the foundation of giving back to the community. To that end, the event will serve as a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy.
The foundation is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide
A silent auction will be held during the celebration, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the auction will go towards the foundation, Ron Hanna said. There will also be no charge for food items from the barbecue. Instead, organizers are asking patrons to donate money to the foundation.
Additionally, 10 percent of the profits from sales at Perks! during the event will be donated to the foundation.
For patrons who cannot make it to Saturday’s celebration, donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention can be made at both the St. George and Washington City Perks! locations leading up to the event.
“Suicide is a big thing here in Utah,” Ron Hanna said, adding that he hopes the people of the community will come together to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Members of the foundation will be on hand at the event for anybody wanting more information about what they do.
Perks! general manager Brandon Beneventi said that the cause means a lot to them and they want to help in any way they can.
Celebrating 15 years
“Perks! has been in the community now for 15 years,” Lori Hanna said. “We’ve been very supportive of the community, and they’ve been very supportive of us. We just want to say ‘thank you.'”
From employing hundreds of people to building long-term relationships and friendships with their customers, both Lori and Ron Hanna have always believed in giving back to the community that has supported them and their awesome coffee culture for so long, Lori Hanna said.
“One thing I love about this place is I think that everybody, no matter their station in life, feels like Perks! is their place,” Lori Hanna said, adding that she is looking forward to celebrating with old and new friends, having a piece of cake, a good cup of Joe and supporting a worthy cause.
Saturday’s event is free and open to the public.
The silent auction will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony with St. George Mayor Jon Pike will take place at 10 a.m. The barbecue and bounce houses will be open beginning at noon. Live music featuring Art Cowles, Identity Crisis and more will take place throughout the day with local band Vinyl Fusion closing out the evening.
“We have always wanted to give back and grow with the community,” Beneventi said. “We want to celebrate with the community for making that possible. We wouldn’t have been here without them.”
Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to the event.
Anyone interested in donating items for the silent auction can call Ron Hanna at 435-669-4964.
Event details
- What: Perks! Espresso & Smoothies’ 15th Anniversary Charity Event.
- When: Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Where: Perks! on Sunset, 1515 W. Sunset Blvd., St. George.
- Cost: Free; donations accepted for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
- Perks!: Facebook | Website.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
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