Customers of Mayville Eatery Support Community Causes

MAYVILLE, NY - “What are we collecting for this week?” It’s a question owners Darlene and Tim Wendell often hear from the regulars who frequent their cafe and bakery in Mayville.

In the three months since its opening, the customers of A Sweet Spot have raised close to $1,500 for eight charities. It’s a simple, painless process-those who wish to give merely toss their loose change into a donation jar next to the register to add to the biweekly or monthly contribution.

Last December, customers raised $411 for the Mayville Food Pantry at a time when pantries are traditionally depleted.

Darlene says she will leave a brochure next to the jar with information on the organization customers are supporting. In January, the collections benefited the Children’s Love Fund. Darlene adds, “We know people who have been recipients. It’s an organization right here in Mayville.”

The Children’s Love Fund provides financial support to Chautauqua County families who have children with long-term illnesses to help with travel expenses, meals and lodging.

“We are always looking for local charities--by local we can mean Mayville, Chautauqua County or Western New York,” Darlene explains. “We have a running list of worthy organizations that we regularly check out.”

During breast cancer awareness month in October, customers supported Lily’s Hope at WCA Hospital. “We talk as a group (our staff) and decide on the charities,” says Darlene. They have also taken suggestions from customers, but only give to organizations and not to individuals or families.

Looking over a list of organizations her customers have supported and the number of dollars raised since opening, Darlene says, “As you can see, the giving has been pretty consistent.”

“None of this is our money--it’s our customers who are giving. Once they know there is a connection, they are thrilled to give. Every one of the organizations has acknowledged the gift.” Darlene says she plans to laminate the thank you letters, and place them on a wall in the cafe.

Some of the other recipients have been Chautauqua County Hospice, Mayville 4th of July activities, the Chautauqua County Humane Society, and Spina Bifida Association of WNY.

“We did this for the community, this is home....we’ve been here for 31 years. This community is extremely important to us.”

The Sweet Spot is located at 4 North Erie St.,in Mayville and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m to 2 p.m.