The Dreamer Coffee Shop is saved, raises $1,985 during special event
Local Mount Pleasant band Pining performs at Save The Dreamer event on Jan. 18 at The Dreamer Coffee Shop.
With the help of volunteers and local musicians, The Dreamer Coffee Shop was able to raise $1,985 towards alleviating some of the business' financial troubles.
Ian Armstrong, arts and event coordinator for The Dreamer, said a group of nearly ten volunteers, a community-wide love of high-quality beverages and local talent joined forces to raise the money needed to keep the business afloat during the "Save the Dreamer" event on Jan. 18.
Exclusive t-shirt offers and gift bag raffles donated by Heirloom Coffee were available to donors and customers starting at 7 p.m.
The Dreamer's GoFundMe goal was set at $500 and money rapidly came in as hundreds of students, community members and "Dreamers," as described by management on the page, came in to support the shop.
Lake Orion senior Jonathan Lorts said he viewed The Dreamer's financial issues as a scary sign for what is to come in Mount Pleasant.
"Coffee shops have really become the cultural hot spots of our time," Lorts said. "By losing this place, the city will by losing a place for creative ideas to unite and an outlet for people to come together for good conversations."
The event was headlined by bands Pining and Pineapple Psychology.
Lorts said Pining provides a sound that is very "Beachy" and produces "Very mellow, easy going surf vibes."
Pining covered tunes such at "Dancing in the Moonlight" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."
Rosebush junior Chloe Lynch said Pineapple Psychology concluded the evening with bouncy, soft rock.
"This has always been a good place that puts on really great music events," Lynch said, explaining that her favorite memories at The Dreamer come from singing along to Pineapple Psychology.
Their session featured covers to songs such as "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High" by English rock band Arctic Monkeys. Lynch said the mix of original tunes and familiar lyrics allowed a good escape from college.
Although only a freshman, Ella Reck of Muskegon said her evenings at the Dreamer were her favorite part about Central Michigan University.
"It's so unique and so adorable," Reck said, describing it as a close place to escape campus.
In Spring 2017, the coffee shop became a place of refuge for Harrison Township junior Olivia Cyman in the wake of an abusive relationship. For Cyman, The Dreamer Coffee Shop was her realm of safety during one of her darkest times, she said.
"My friends would come here to meet with me and it was my place to get away from it all and be productive," Cyman said. "(The Dreamer) is my second home."
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