Sticker Sales Help Mosaic Services

It was about one year ago when Pedro Abbate saw a faded "I heart Maplewood" sticker on the side of a downtown Maplewood shop, and crafted an idea to help local charities. 

He decided he could sell similar stickers to build a sense of community in the city while donating all proceeds directly to those who need some help.

Pedro Abbate and Laura Macaluso, the married co-owners of Foundation Grounds Coffee House, unveiled the fundraiser in their shop on Oct. 1. While they plan to choose different charities each month, all of October's sales will directly benefit Mosaic Services, a program that supports low-income and at-risk children in the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District.

Their 4-year-old son Koa attends school at the MRH Early Childhood Center, where they first learned of Mosaic's mission.

"I was looking for something local, and the kids are always a first priority," Abbate said.

Abbate and Macaluso showcased the design by hanging a large "We heart Maplewood" banner on the awning outside of their store. They were able to raise $65 in the first day.

"It is just what we believe in: always doing something good for the community," Macaluso said. "Because the community supports us by coming and buying coffee."

Angel Goldberg and her 3-year-old son Gabe bought three stickers on a recent visit. She plans to put one on her car and give the others to friends.

"I wanted to support Maplewood and Mosaic," she said.

Heather Bailey, founder of Mosaic Services, said she thought the fundraiser was a great idea because it builds a sense of community in the same city as her non-profit organization.

"We help families that would benefit from additional resources," Bailey said.

Abbate and Macluso plan to continue the fundraiser, but they'll run the program every other month in an effort to keep the sales steady. They haven't decided which organization to help next, but they want to make sure the donations give back to the Maplewood community. 

For residents who want to show their support, Abbate and Macaluso are selling the stickers for a recommended $2-$5 donation.