The event, inspired by fifth-grader Caleb Byelich, raised $4,500.
By Gary Weckselblatt
Caleb’s Cocoa Cafe reopened last weekend, and the result is more than $4,500 raised for the Upper Bucks Code Blue Shelter, which aids the homeless.
Ambler Street was packed for the community-wide event, inspired by Caleb Byelich, an 11-year-old fifth-grader at Neidig Elementary School. There were baked goods, entertainment, and, of course, hot cocoa.
“There were so many people who wanted to help,” said Caleb. “I really appreciate all of the support. They’re all awesome.” He included several members of the high school’s National Honor Society, who took part in the event.
A family trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, where Caleb saw homeless people, motivated him to brainstorm for ways to help. “There were so many, everywhere you looked,” he said. “I wanted to do something.”
Caleb’s Cocoa Cafe was born. In a few years, it has raised $12,000 for the Code Blue Shelter.
“It feels great to be able to help them,” Caleb said, adding that it’s “bittersweet.” He explained that he’s happy to be able to help but sad that people need the help.
His selfless efforts have not gone unnoticed. WFMZ-Channel 69 News
filed this report last weekend. And three years ago,
in a 66-second video on the House floor, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick describes Caleb as "an outstanding young citizen" who has made a "substantial impact on the underserved in our community. …We applaud Caleb for his remarkable work, and I look forward to seeing his accomplishments in the years to come," said Fitzpatrick, who thanked Caleb's parents for "instilling in him the values of service and compassion."
"We are so proud of Caleb's leadership in the classroom, in our school, and in our community," Neidig Principal Scott Godshalk said. "His actions to help others inspires all of us at Neidig Elementary School."
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].