Cafecito owners start project to spread kindness in community

On the first Friday of every month, Cafecito opens its doors outside working hours in the evening to host an open mic to showcase local musicians.

All proceeds from the event, called ” The Atticus Kindness Project, ” are donated to a local family or charity in need.

“First Friday kinda started out as like, we didn’t know if too many people were going to show up, or what exactly the turnout was gonna be, ” said Ashley Simms, Cafecito co-owner. ” But after the first one, we realized it was a big opportunity for us to not just bring the community together, but just different elements of being kind.”

As the event continues to develop and grow in popularity, one can expect every first Friday to be different than the last. Simms said that during the latest event, there was even an impromptu open-mic jam session.

When Simms and her partner Travis Krizay’s son Atticus passed away last year, it was hard for the whole family as well as their other son, Dylan.

But they were extremely touched by the way their Yuma community stepped up to support them during their time of need. They wanted to give back by creating this project as well as honor their son’s legacy.

They chose to turn their experience into something positive, a way to spread kindness in the community.

Dylan also helps out at the coffee shop during his free time and mans the lemonade stand for every first Friday event.

” Sometimes I feel nervous but I’ve gotten used to it, ” said Dylan Andrade . ” My dad helped me through it, saying how proud he is of me. ”

This month’s proceeds will go towards a toddler swim safety course organized by Prison Hill Brewery. Every first Friday event is held at Cafecito at 118 S Madison Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364.