Faced with a summer deadline in the year ahead to relocate lock, stock and barrel, the Mosaic Christian Community Development Association of Benton Harbor is celebrating on several fronts this week with news of two major advancements.
First, the Mosaic On the Move Capital Campaign has successfully raised more than $350,000 since launching barely two months ago, and second they have successfully purchased the iconic diner building at 325 Main Street most notable for its historic, soaring "FOOD" sign on the front lot of the building. That building has been home to many popular diners from the most recent King Kong Express to the decades ago Bob's Snappy Service, Bonnie's Breakfast Nook, and other variations from the All American Diner to the great Harbor Dogs & Sliders, and even Rio's Mexican fare.
The 325 Main building will become the new home of the Mosaic Cafe by next February. In the meantime, the current Mosaic Cafe at 510 W. Main Street in the city will continue to be open and operating on its ordinary schedule while the new place is being renovated to the specific needs of the cafe including a new and expanded menu, outdoor seating, and even a potential drive thru. The new building will also all Mosaic to provide additional catering and job training opportunities.
Meanwhile, Mosaic's non-profit operations — a staple in the Benton Harbor community since 2009 — have raised more than $350,000 since launching the Mosaic On the Move Capital Campaign in early October. Organization officials say they got a recent donation of $300,000 as well as the proceeds from a successful November 13th benefit that reached more than 250 people. Those advancements have propelled the capital campaign nicely.
Mosaic President & Founder Brian Bennett says, "We are truly humbled and encouraged by the way our community and region is responding to Mosaic On the Move. We are incredibly thankful for what is happening and hope to see even more get involved to help increase the impact we can have together as a true Mosaic of people."
The campaign goal is to raise $850,000 to relocate the Mosaic Retail Store, the Jobs for Life Program and Harbor Shine enterprises to a new building at 200 Paw Paw Avenue in the city as well as to cover the purchase of 325 Main.
Bennett is hopeful that a number of folks will capitalize on year-end giving opportunities by helping the capital campaign to grow ever higher. Mosaic CCDA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. Additionally, Mosaic CCDA is a Whirlpool Foundation employee match-eligible organization. You can give now by clicking the link below:
