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Teen gathering spot seeks support from community
By Lois Marchand
Staff Writer

March 6, 2005

PLAISTOW -- The Sad Cafe, a drug-free gathering place for teens, has bought some time, thanks to support from area businesses, churches and residents.

The fund drive has brought in more than $9,000 to date, according to the cafe's board of directors, enabling the doors to stay open.

Located on Route 125 in Plaistow, The Sad Cafe offers teens a place to gather and a chance for budding musicians to perform.

The drive has accumulated enough money to allow the popular venue to remain open through April. But there's still a long way to go to cover an outstanding debt of $16,500.

"We are very grateful to the public, the teens and the parents that have shown their support," said Andrea Bonner, the cafe's executive director. "It has been tremendous."

She said the directors are grateful to Linda Heminway, head of the newly formed Friends of Sad Cafe boosters organization.

"They have provided much needed moral and fund-raising support," Bonner said. "We now have a viable plan to pursue a long-term solution to the ongoing financial demands of running an agency as unique as The Sad Cafe. We continue to need donations of time and money."

More importantly, Bonner said, is the need for citizens who value The Sad Cafe to vote "yes" on warrant articles that provide money for the cafe at their upcoming town and school district elections.

Bonner said the long-term focus will be on securing a building.

Named for an Eagles song, The Sad Cafe was founded in 1997 as a for-profit venue and converted to nonprofit two years later. It offers programming seven days a week, including an after-school program and weekend evening entertainment and special events.

In addition to presenting teen bands, teen dances and parenting programs, The Sad Cafe has become a lead agency for the Sanborn and Timberlane Safe and Drug Free Community Coalition, which has launched several community alcohol- and substance-abuse prevention, intervention and treatment programs, Bonner said.

"The Sad Cafe is unique for many reasons, not the least of which is that we have raised substantial funds for prevention initiatives, as well as for other nonprofit causes," said Dick Gerrish, vice chairman of the board of directors. "Two-thirds of the $169,000 we received last year went right back into community programs."

The mission of The Sad Cafe is the promotion and support of positive life choices for preteens and adolescents through innovative programming, and to provide a safe, substance-free, family-friendly venue where aspiring young musicians can perform in front of a live audience.

Teens from all over southeastern New Hampshire flood to The Sad Cafe to hear the teen bands.

"Over the course of the past year, more than 400 teen bands and single artists have played at The Sad Cafe, drawing over 10,000 area youth, 75 percent of whom are teens 14 to 18 years of age," Gerrish said.

He said the money raised through the town warrants will be used to support services and will allow the board to pursue options to find a permanent home.

Meanwhile, The Sad Cafe is continuing to seek financial support by asking sponsors to "adopt" the place for a month and cover the rent of $3,327.

Dodge's Agway on Route 125 is covering the rent for March.

The Friends of the Sad Cafe will meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., beginning this week. New members and supporters are welcome.

The group plans to talk about sponsoring an outdoor flea market and other possible community activities to raise money.

Donations may be sent to The Sad Cafe at P.O. Box 1051, 148 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, NH 03865 or call (603) 382-8893. Ongoing programs may be viewed at www.thesadcafe.com.

Staff writer Lois Marchand may be contacted at (603) 437-7000 or lmarchand@eagletribune.com.

Keeping the bands playing

The Sad Cafe is continuing to seek financial support for its programs. Donations may be sent to The Sad Cafe at P.O. Box 1051, 148 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, NH 03865 or call (603) 382-8893. Ongoing programs may be viewed at www.thesadcafe.com.

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