“We can’t meet all the needs in this community, but the ones we can — we go at it with everything we’ve got. And that’s what we’re doing with Coffee for a Cure,” said Frank Sherman.

 

For over two decades, Frank and Kay Sherman, owners of The Human Bean Northern Colorado, have turned a simple cup of coffee into a meaningful way to support local families affected by cancer. Through their annual Coffee for a Cure event, the Shermans, their employees, and the community come together to provide critical support to those facing one of life’s most difficult journeys.

 

Frank and Kay have been married for 53 years and have lived in the Ptarmigan neighborhood since 1998, where they raised their family and built their business. Today, The Human Bean Northern Colorado has 11 locations and a mobile coffee truck, with more than 150 employees who share the company’s commitment to serving the community.

 

“Everyone you know knows someone with a cancer story, including us,” Frank shared. “We lost Kay’s sister to cancer, and not a day goes by that we don’t think of her. When you’re fighting cancer, it takes everything you’ve got, so we wanted to do something to support people in our community.”

 

That vision became Coffee for a Cure, an annual fundraiser benefiting two local organizations that support cancer patients and their families: the NCMC Foundation and the UCHealth Foundation.

 

During the event, 100% of sales from all 11 Human Bean Northern Colorado locations are donated to these foundations. This year, Coffee for a Cure will take place on Friday, October 16th, continuing the tradition of bringing neighbors together to make a difference.

 

Each location becomes a celebration of hope, with employees decorating their stands in pink, wearing pink attire, and welcoming customers who want to join the cause. Volunteers are also on-site to share information about the important work these foundations provide throughout Northern Colorado.

 

“The money comes from the community and goes right back into the community,” Frank explained. “These organizations provide gap funds to patients battling cancer. This covers things like rent, groceries, and childcare that are hard to pay for when someone is so sick.”

 

For many families, these resources provide relief during a time when their focus should be on healing.

 

“When someone hears that their neighbors took care of these expenses, that’s what it takes to fight one more day,” Frank said. “This is what gives them a chance to survive.”

 

Over the years, Coffee for a Cure has grown from a small fundraiser into a community-wide tradition. Customers return year after year, often visiting multiple locations and bringing friends and family along to support the cause.

 

“It’s now a community-wide event. Most people know about it, and everyone looks forward to joining the fight,” Frank said. “Some people will come two or three times that day, and many come from out of town. It’s amazing to see.”

 

Since Coffee for a Cure began, the Shermans, their team, and the community have donated more than $750,000 to the NCMC Foundation and UCH Foundation.

 

Elise Dunning, Human Bean Manager of the 10th Street location, represents the heart of the company.

 

“For me, Coffee for a Cure is a way to pour my energy into something bigger than myself, something that can transform lives and even help save them. It’s not only about supporting families who are currently facing cancer, but also about creating hope for future generations who may face it one day. My grandma is a breast cancer survivor, so this cause holds a very special place in my heart. For me, Coffee for a Cure isn’t just a fun day at the stand; it’s a day where our community comes together to make a real difference. That impact is why I have loved CFC over the years and why I’m so grateful for the opportunities it gives us to come together, give back, and make a difference.”

 

For Frank and Kay, Coffee for a Cure remains about one simple goal: helping neighbors when they need it most.

 

“We’re committed to our community, and we’re committed to doing our part to help people beat this deadly disease,” Frank said. “If we give one person the hope to fight a little harder, to fight for one more day, this is all worth it.”

 

This October, visit one (or more!) of The Human Bean Northern Colorado locations and be part of Coffee for a Cure. Every cup helps bring hope and support to local families affected by cancer.

 

Learn more at www.humanbeannortherncolorado.com.