Life-Changing Coffee

Source: Gran Caffè Gambrinus Website

Due caffè, per favore!

If you ever decide to visit Naples, Italy, make sure to stop by the historical Gran Caffè Gambrinus. At any hour of the day, you will find a long line of people waiting patiently for what is considered one of the best coffees in the city. A dense layer of “crema” – a light brown foam – floats on top of the most flavorful espressos you’ll ever try. But something else will capture your attention at Gran Caffè Gambrinus …

As you approach the cashier, you will notice a large pot with a sign on it that reads: "Caffè sospeso." Translated literally, it means “suspended coffee.” Caffè sospeso is a tradition in the working-class cafés of Naples where someone who has experienced good luck pays for two coffees, but only drinks one. They place the receipt for the second coffee in the large pot, and a poor person enquiring later whether there is a sospeso available will be served a coffee for free. A random act of kindness … and one that keeps giving. The cashier of the Gran Caffè Gambrinus reminded me that many times, those who receive a free coffee come back and pay for others when their financial situation changes.

Similarly, when you give to A Chance In Life, you give a child you don’t know the chance to succeed despite the hardships they face. Though you may never meet these children, they will remember your act of generosity forever. One day, they will pay it forward to someone else in need.

Today, I would like to introduce you to four of the young people you’ve helped - Sandro from Bolivia, Sinkanesh from Ethiopia, Selva from India and Giulia from Italy - and show how your support has started a circle of generosity. Click below to read their stories and be inspired to continue making this world a better place. Grazie for your “paid espresso” … it’s changing lives.

Gabriele Delmonaco
President/Executive Director

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