When the Event Was Canceled, the Coffee Still Found a Home

Winter in West Michigan has a way of changing plans quickly.

A recent snowstorm forced a catering event to be canceled, something that made complete sense given the conditions. But by the time the call came through, the coffee had already been prepared. That left us with a simple question: what’s the most thoughtful way to make sure it doesn’t go to waste?

Choosing What Came Next as a Community-Focused Coffee Shop

We connected with the event coordinator at Aquinas to talk through options. One idea was to bring the coffee to campus so students could grab a cup, but with the weather, it was unlikely many people would be out and about.

Instead, we talked about donating the coffee to a local nonprofit — somewhere it could still be used and appreciated that same day. When Matthews House came up, the decision felt obvious.

Matthews House serves individuals and families coming in and out of their center daily, making it a place where something simple like warm coffee could still have real value.

A Small Pivot, Still Rooted in Community

Moments like this don’t feel big when they’re happening. There’s no spotlight, no ceremony — just a quick pivot and a commitment to follow through.

But they matter.

Plans don’t always unfold the way we expect, especially in winter. What does matter is how we respond when they change, and whether we stay connected to the people around us in the process.

Behind the Scenes

We filmed a short behind-the-scenes video capturing how this decision came together — from preparing the coffee, to packing it up, to delivering it where it could still be shared.

The video isn’t about recognition or credit. It’s simply a look at a real moment where flexibility, collaboration, and community intersected.

Why This Matters to Us

Whether it’s a catering event, a regular day at the café, or an unexpected change of plans, our goal stays the same: be thoughtful with what we’re given and mindful of who it can serve.

Sometimes that looks like coffee at an event.Sometimes it looks like coffee finding a different home.

Both matter.