Nearly 30 small lots of traceable specialty coffee are heading to an online auction June 19-20. Not only will the top bidders secure high-quality greens and other goods, they’ll also support cervical cancer screening and treatment in the coffee lands, courtesy of the nonprofit Grounds For Health.
Now in its 16th year, the Grounds for Health auction remains a key fundraising event for the Vermont-based nonprofit, generating more than $1 million since 2009.
Supporting the auction effort this year are nearly two dozen coffee trading, producing, roasting, equipment or service companies that have generously donated coffees and other items.
The list of available green coffees reflects a wide range of origins, post-harvest processing methods and coffee varieties, with most cupping scores landing in the mid to high 80s. Volumes range from 1-kilogram special lot samples to multiple 69-kilogram sacks. There’s also a small selection of equipment and services on offer.
All proceeds will go to Grounds for Health, which was established in 1996 and has since led public health programming in parts of Latin America and Africa. According to the group’s 2023 annual report, the Ethiopia program alone screened more than 23,000 women for cervical cancer, while treating more than 1,400 women.
In addition to the auction, Grounds for Health earlier this year launched its inaugural Grounds for Health Week, generating additional operating revenue. The group said it plans on reprising the event in 2025.
Registration for the Grounds for Health auction is free.
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