Montecito Village Recovery Fund grounded in big hearts and coffee proceeds ahead of two year anniversary

Beth Farnsworth

MONTECITO, Calif. - A little shop that kept its doors open to first responders during the devastating mudflow of January 9, 2018 has expanded its brand with a new line of coffees dedicated to heroes, survivors and victims of our local back-to-back disasters, as well as others.

And the man behind that effort is still giving back.

"We're modeling our donation after Patagonia's mission of giving back," said Patrick Braid, owner of The Village Cheese & Wine Store. "They do one percent for the planet; we're one percent for communities ravaged by fires and natural disasters."

The Butterfly Beach Costa Rica blend, dedicated to Rebecca Riskin, a real estate legend who died in the debris flow, is one example. The Malibu Beach blend is another, dedicated to those impacted by the deadly Woosley Fire. There is also a a special Hammonds Reef Roast lovingly dedicated to Braid's brother, Alex, who died last year.

"The Historic Courthouse (Santa Barbara blend) is dedicated to... the 23 lives lost in the mudslides," Braid said.

The Miramar Beach blend also holds special meaning to local residents; the dedication on the back of the coffee package was written by Kim Cantin.

"The Miramar Beach Roast is dedicated to Dave and Jack Cantin, a father and son, who tragically perished in the Debris Flow. Both Dave and Jack enjoyed the beauty of this beach and each were active and beloved community members."

Kim Cantin wrote the dedication on the back in honor of her husband, Dave, and son, Jack. 

"They did a (bold) French roast for the Cantins, for Dave and Jack," said Grant Dyruff, a good friend of Dave's. "And Cantin is actually a French name so, it's actually a really good idea."

Dyruff became emotional while reminiscing and talking with a couple of people in the shop, given that the two year anniversary is drawing near.

Kim Cantin is deeply moved by the Montecito Village Recovery Fund and Braid's cause.

"I love that a percent of sales goes to community disaster relief. And so, honoring to dedicate the coffee to those lost tells us they are not forgotten," Kim said.