The idea of “family” in a workplace is fraught and often used to compel additional—un-agreed upon and unpaid-for—labor. Nonetheless, there is something familial about being part of a coffee scene. A group of people coalescing around a shared passion, deep bonds can form. Over the years, these relationships can evolve beyond collegial and into something more fraternal.
So when help is needed, the response from the community is that of a family. Thus is the case for Anthony McRae. The owner/operator of Espresso Technologies has been servicing espresso machines and coffee brewing equipment in cafes across Seattle for nearly three decades. But now, McRae deals with steep medical bills due to a heart transplant surgery. That’s why the Seattle coffee community has created a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help McRae in his time of need.
Spearheaded by Fidalgo Coffee’s Darryl Miller, the campaign seeks to raise $50,000, with the funds raised going to McRae, who has already undergone a successful heart transplant surgery and is now recovering in the hospital. Along with medical bills, the funds will “keep his shop/warehouse and pay rent so that his business is still there when he is ready to go back to work,” per the GoFundMe page.
“Most of the coffee shops, colleges/universities in the greater Puget Sound area know him well and have enjoyed his skilled work at keeping their espresso machines operating for many years,” Miller says of McRae. “It has been said that the espresso machine is the heartbeat of specialty coffee. Anthony is one of the reasons the beat goes on.”
Created on July 24th, the GoFundMe campaign has thus far earned $3,500 of its $50,000 goal.
The coffee community extends beyond the city’s limits, and aid need not come simply from within the greater Seattle area. So if you are able, consider donating to help Anthony McRae as he gets back on his feet and can begin working again. For more information, visit the GoFundMe page.
Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.
