The 17th anniversary celebration brought the Indianapolis community together in support of literacy for all.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company Charitable Foundation hosted its annual BLEND celebration in partnership with Indy Reads, bringing together community members for a day of performances, interactive activities, and fundraising. The event marked the coffee company’s 17th anniversary while raising $11,000 to support Indy Reads’ vision of advancing 100% Literacy For All.
Celebrating Community Through BLEND
Throughout the day, BLEND featured a variety of performances, student-led workshops, and special guest appearances. Ruba Marshood, Indy Reads Chief Executive Officer, led a conversation centered on “Literacy is Liberation,” highlighting the role literacy plays in empowering individuals and strengthening communities.
The celebration also featured a poetry performance by Daisy and Lacha, an Indy Reads student who shared her personal story with the audience. Lacha moved to Indianapolis from Cuba three years ago and first took English classes at Indy Reads while working as a restaurant busser. Indy Reads also helped her apply for and secure a job as a Greenhouse Manager with Flanner House, where she still works today. Together, she and Daisy performed the poem “La muralla” (“The Wall”) by Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén, emphasizing the collective strength of an inclusive community.
Additional entertainment included Dr. Sugarbomb’s Circle Extravaganza, bringing creativity and excitement to the celebration. Indy Eleven defender Hayden White and team mascot Zeke made a special guest appearance, connecting with attendees through a community meet-and-greet.
Student-led workshops invited attendees to learn Spanish phrases and participate in hands-on crochet activities, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and shared learning. Throughout the event, guests also participated in a silent auction featuring items generously donated by local businesses and community supporters.
Community Support for Literacy for All
Through the generosity of attendees, local businesses, and community partners, BLEND raised a total of $11,000 in support of Indy Reads. An anonymous donor matched contributions dollar for dollar, up to $5,000, further strengthening the impact of the community’s support.
The event also received local media attention, with Indy Reads featured on WISH-TV ahead of the celebration. The segment helped share the purpose of BLEND and the importance of accessible adult literacy education with a broader Indianapolis audience.
Read the WISH-TV story: Coffee shop’s ‘Blend’ event to benefit Indy Reads’ adult literacy programs
Beyond celebrating 17 years of Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company, BLEND reflected the impact of community partnerships in advancing literacy and expanding opportunities for adult learners and their families.
The celebration served as a reminder that literacy extends beyond the classroom, creating opportunities for individuals to participate more fully in their workplaces, families, and communities. Indy Reads is grateful to Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company, their foundation, the anonymous matching donor, silent auction contributors, performers, volunteers, and everyone who helped make the event possible.
About Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company
Founded in September 2009, Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company is a locally owned coffee shop located in Indianapolis’ Fletcher Place neighborhood. Built on a commitment to community, kindness, and connection, the coffee company provides a welcoming space for neighbors to gather while supporting local nonprofit organizations. Through its charitable initiatives and Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company Charitable Foundation, the business helps direct community support toward organizations making a meaningful impact across Indianapolis. To learn more, visit cfcoffeecompany.com.
About Indy Reads
Indy Reads builds literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and their families to reach their full potential. The organization’s vision is 100% literacy for all. Indy Reads’ office, classroom, and community bookstore space hosts around 250 free community events each year engaging over 8,000 participants and serves as our center of operations for tuition-free literacy programs serving nearly 600 adult students across central Indiana.
Current statistics show that 1 in 6 adults in Indiana read at or below a fifth-grade level, impacting their educational, civic, and workforce engagement. Indy Reads advances social equity through education, helping adult learners increase their English literacy proficiency, earn High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas, support their children’s education, engage in the community, and build industry skills. Indy Reads is proudly the only organization in the region that serves adults of all literacy skill levels, including the most beginning-level. To learn more about Indy Reads visit indyreads.org.