Rally behind those affected by ALS at the Hot Mini 5K. | Photo provided by Sola
John and Jeanne Luther opened Sola Coffee Cafe in March 2012 with a vision to spread love, good eats, and quality coffee to the Raleigh community. Every year, the cozy neighborhood spot hosts a charity race called the Sola Hot Mini 5K, which has raised more than $500,000 to date. The 10th annual race is back on Saturday, Sept. 16 with an even bigger fundraising goal.
In 2018, Jeanne was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS. This shifted the 5K’s focus and philanthropic efforts to support those suffering with the progressive disease. Jeanne died after a four year battle with ALS in April 2022.
“We disperse the funds raised to a handful of organizations that we feel play a big role in one day finding a cure for ALS,” John told RALtoday.
The primary charity is the Team Drea Foundation, an organization led by Raleighites David and Andrea Lytle Peet. Andrea is the first person with ALS to complete 50 marathons in all 50 states.
You might even get to meet the Sola family dog, Buddy, at the race.
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Photo provided by Sola
This year’s goal is to surpass 2022’s $171,500 raised and 861 competitors — Sola hopes to drum up $200,000 this year for its local nonprofit partners.
From supporting other local businesses like Boulted Bread, Counter Culture Coffee, Split Acre Farm, Gonza Tacos y Tequila, and sourcing fresh produce from the State Farmers Market, Sola has served as a safe and supportive space for the community since its opening.
“I’ll come here on a sunny day and see all the tables filled with everybody talking, and there is an emotion that rolls over me just thinking ‘This is good,’” John said.
Show your support for the Sola family and those affected by ALS by donating, registering to volunteer or race, and by purchasing tickets to watch “Go On, Be Brave,” a documentary about Andrea’s journey as an athlete with ALS, at the Cinemark Bistro at 4840 Grove Barton Rd. on Thursday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 17.
Events
Thursday, Aug. 10
Raleigh Job Fair | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hilton Raleigh North Hills, 3415 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh | Free | Register to attend this networking event to potentially find your next employer.
Plant Trivia Night | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 4-5 p.m. | Logan’s Garden Shop, 707 Semart Dr., Raleigh | Free | Test your green thumb at this plant-themed trivia night.
Friday, Aug. 11
Outdoor Movie: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” | Friday, Aug. 11 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Raleigh Brewing Company, 3709 Neil St., Raleigh | Free | Bring a lawn chair and dress in your ‘80s best to watch “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” complete with Chicago-style dogs and a special beer release.
North Carolina Courage: K-5th Special Event | Friday, Aug. 11 | 4:30-5:15 p.m. | East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Ct., Knightdale | Free | Meet some of the players and listen to them read a story — plus, there will be time to take pictures with teammates and ask soccer questions.
Saturday, Aug. 12
50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Music | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Free | Celebrate hip hop music all day long with panel discussions and a block party with graffiti artists, dance performances, DJs, vendors, food trucks, and more.
Geek and Grub Market, Anime Edition | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 6-10 p.m. | Fred Fletcher Park, 876 Washington St., Raleigh | Free | Throw on your anime cosplay to shop from more than 40 geeky vendors, grab bites from food trucks, and participate in fun anime-themed competitions.
Skywatching | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 9-11 p.m. | The Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park, 101 Blair Dr., Raleigh | Free | Bring a blanket to observe the Perseid Meteor Shower on the lawn with volunteers from the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center and Raleigh Astronomy Club.
Woofstock | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 12 p.m. | Deep River Brewing Company, 700 W. Main St., Ste. 102, Clayton | Free | Get groovy at Pawsitivity and Deep River’s annual day of peace, love, and dogs featuring local rescues like Saving Grace NC, dog vendors and contests, live music by Little Red Birds, food trucks, and more.
Wednesday, Aug. 23
Playdates at Dix Park: Artrageous | Wednesday, Aug. 23 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Chapel at Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr., Raleigh | Free | Join Team Marbles at Dix Park for play-based programming and let your child’s creativity take the lead as they explore a variety of materials + techniques to create unique works of art.*
Here’s the scoop — the new Andia’s Ice Cream Raleigh location is ready to serve its creative award-winning frozen treats. The Raleigh Iron Works sweet shop posted soft opening hours for Friday, Aug. 11 though Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Community
Join the John Wall Family Foundation and Raleigh Parks for a celebration this Saturday, Aug. 12 dedicated to the groundbreaking of John Wall Family Foundation Court at Roberts Park. There will be face painting, sweet treats, music, and a backpack giveaway while supplies last.
Announced
Downtown Raleigh Alliance released its speaker lineup for the annual State of Downtown networking event at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. On Wednesday, Sept. 13, local movers and shakers like Tiffany Barrier with CBRE and John Florian from Hoffman & Associates will take the stage to talk about market trends, development updates, and more.
Civic
Want a wedding with no fuss? The Wake County Register of Deeds’ office is expanding its services to the Southern Regional Center. The Fuquay-Varina location is open and will offer marriage license and notary oath services immediately from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Biz
The Exchange Raleigh is looking for unique food and beverage concepts to fill its restaurant space on the ground floor of 1000 Social. The development is on track for a Q2 completion date (read: April, May, or June). If you are looking to expand or dive into this industry, get in touch with Dewitt Carolinas.
Ranked
The City of Oaks ranked No. 8 on WalletHub’s most pet-friendly cities in the US list — tell us something we don’t already know. Raleigh’s veterinary care has the third lowest cost in the country and has plenty of dog-friendly businesses to keep you and your furry friend happy.
Beauty
We asked readers to send us their most burning summer skincare questions — and back with the answers is Synergy Face + Body CEO Anna Churchill. Here’s her expert rec for your No. 1 question.*
Searching for some CBD summertime sips? Trek CBD’s Delta-9 seltzers are under 50 calories, made with 100% hemp extract, and include 5mg Delta-9 THC + 10mg CBD per can. Shop Delta-9 drinks.*
Development
🏗️ Rockway Raleigh is rockin’ new renderings
Take a peek at new renderings for the Rockway Raleigh development
Rockway Raleigh is inspired by Dix Park, Rocky Branch Trail, and the nature surrounding it. | Rendering provided by Kane Realty Corporation
Kane Realty Corporation recently unveiled new renderings and details for its multi-phase development — renamed from Park City South to Rockway Raleigh — located near Dix Park.
Construction of phase one, which includes a seven story mixed-use building called The Rockway Residences, is underway with completion anticipated for fall 2024. Blending urban living with nature, this building will be complete with ground level retail, plus enhanced sidewalks and landscape designs.
Phase two of this South Saunders Street development will feature The Heath, a 350 unit residential building that will include features like a rooftop lounge, bicycle storage, and ~7,000 sqft of street-level retail space. Construction on The Health is slated to begin in mid-2024.
A second residential building is in the planning stage and will consist of approx. 200 units.
When I interviewed John at Sola, he offered me a coffee and went into the kitchen to grab me a piece of their specialty Boulted Bread loaf — with butter of course — and it was packed with flavor. If you haven’t met John or his daughter, Sally, who is always buzzing around the cafe, then this is your sign to stop by, say hello, and enjoy a latte surrounded by friendly faces.
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