Coming Soon...
The Ivy Table
Pay-it-Forward Cafe
and Event Space
10180 E Grand River Ave,
Brighton, MI, 48116
The BIG Dream
Many years ago, God placed on our heart the vision of opening a brick and mortar space in our community, a space where people of all ages, all backgrounds, and all income levels, could gather together for great food and meaningful fellowship. That vision will soon become a reality in the former Brighton House/ Alexanders building, which has been vacant for over 7 years.
The new space will include:
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A 4000 sf dining area that will host a pay-it-forward cafe* during weekdays AND be rented out as a small event venue on weekends where parties of up to 125 people can gather
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A large commercial kitchen that will allow us to increase our meal production for the food insecure in our area AND be rented out as a commissary kitchen to small food based businesses
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A small conference room that will provide an office space for our team AND can be rented out for corporate meetings, bible studies, support groups, etc.
And best of all, 100% of the proceeds that are generated from this unique and beautiful space will be used to bless those in need both locally and abroad.
The BIG Questions
*What is a pay-it-forward cafe??? It will look like and operate like a typical restaurant with a limited menu of high quality dishes. People will come in and place their order... BUT, there will be no prices associated with the menu items. Guests who need a free meal can accept one with dignity. Those who would like to pay-it-forward can make a donation that covers the cost of their meal or of those around them or offer to volunteer their time. It will be a cafe that promotes generosity and doing good for others. It will be a place where the community unites to support one another and make a positive impact. At any time, you will not be able to tell who is in the cafe to be blessed and who is there to be a blessing.
Why do we need a pay-it-foward cafe in our community? In Livingston County, 1 in 13 people are now experiencing food insecurity (not having access to enough nutritious food to live a healthy lifestyle) and 50% of them do not qualify for government food assistance. Having a shame free, stigma free place where healthy and delicious food is available to everyone is essential. No one should have to go to bed hungry in any community (but especially one as affluent as ours). Increasing education about the food insecurity and providing simple and practical ways for everyone to help will have a huge impact on combating the problem.
The BIG Ask- Help us open our doors!
Financial Donation- After running in to major issues with electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems, and learning that we have to rebuild the walk in refrigeration from the ground up, having to with the the total project cost is expected to come in around $1,300,000. With $950,000 in donations already received since April, it is now our goal to raise the remaining $350,000. We have an estimated completion date of late December or early January and are praying that we can have the project fully funded by that time and be able to open our doors in in 2025 completely debt-free.
Any amount makes a difference. What level can you give?
*Major Donor opportunities-
click to enlarge
ITEMS NEEDED BEFORE OPENING | PRICE PER ITEM | QTY NEEDED |
Double stack convection oven | $12,000 | 1 |
Coffee/order counter | $5,000 | 1 |
Warming oven | $2,000 | 1 |
Shelves for walk-in coolers | $750 | 12 |
Place setting of dishes | $50 | 200 |
2025 Cafe Pay-it-Forward Partners-
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And, thanks to a very generous donor,
all donations in November are being matched (up to $50,000)
As a 501c3 charity, all donations are fully tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS
This new space is being build for the community, by the community. Join the cause and partner with us today!
In-Kind Donations- In addition to financial donors, the building has already utilized nearly 1000 volunteer hours to help with cleaning and demolition. We still could use people who are skilled at drywall, painting, trim work, cabinets, furniture assembly, etc. We now need volunteers to help us start putting it all back together. Do you have a time or talent you could share? We would love to hear from you. Volunteer opportunities are always available.
The BIG Answer!
Although purchasing a building seemed like an unachievable task, God has opened door after door in order to make it possible. We still have a lot of work to do before being able to open our doors, but we know that God will provide. Keep praying!
"To him who is able to do exceeding abundantly more than we can ask or imagine... to Him be the glory!" -Eph 3:21
Singer, Jon Bon Jovi has a restaurant chain with a very similar mission. This 6 minute video helps explain the how and why of a nonprofit cafe.
Great Meals + Great Mission!