Starting today, the Green River Area Down Syndrome Association is marketing their own brand of coffee — called Down Right Perfect Coffee.
Executive Director Tiffany Thrash said the coffee industry seemed like a logical place to enter the retail world because it is a line of work that employs many individuals with Down syndrome across the country.
Thrash is hopeful that Down Right Perfect Coffee will transition GRADSA from a local staple to a household name across the country. The name for the coffee comes from the phrase “down right perfect” that is used to describe individuals born with Down syndrome.
“The name says it all and represents what we believe at GRADSA,” she said. “Individuals with Down syndrome are in fact down right perfect, and we plan to begin showing that on a larger scale, beginning with this product.”
While their aspirations are far-reaching, Thrash is adamant about building a base locally.
“My initial goal is to have local businesses get on board with the awareness by serving our coffee,” she said. “From there we would reach out to coffee shops around the country that employ individuals with disabilities, as well as some who don’t, to spread knowledge about our coffee.”
In the initial phase, Down Right Perfect Coffee will be sold on the organization’s website for $15 for a 16-oz bag. The goal is to have the coffee on shelves by the end of the year before eventually securing a facility to operate a local coffee shop, employing adults with Down syndrome.
Online coffee sales are set to launch today at gradsa.org. Additional information can be found on the organization’s website and Facebook page.
“I have faith in our community, and I know many will be ready to jump on board to help raise awareness with us,” Thrash said. “The coffee is high quality and is manufactured in Kentucky, which benefits our state’s economy in addition to the families we serve.”
GRADSA exists to honor all things Down syndrome and bring awareness to the abilities those with Down syndrome have to offer.
Retail coffee now joins a long list of GRADSA products and events the organization provides for Owensboro, including corporate partnerships, 5k runs, and the Buddy Walk.
These offerings exist to raise money for the organization’s services, which assist approximately 150 families each year.
