The Aliveness Project hosted our 30th annual Dining for Life fundraiser this past April. 97 restaurants across Minnesota generously donated a portion of their sales to our programs and services. We were deeply moved by the generosity of donors, volunteers, and restaurant owners like Catiesha Pierson.
Catiesha owns The Dripping Root, Minnesota’s only Black-owned, women-owned, extra vibby, drippy-owned, cold press juice bar.
The Aliveness Project hosted our 30th annual Dining for Life fundraiser this past April. 97 restaurants across Minnesota generously donated a portion of their sales to our programs and services. We were deeply moved by the generosity of donors, volunteers, and restaurant owners like Catiesha Pierson.
Catiesha owns The Dripping Root, Minnesota’s only Black-owned, women-owned, extra vibby, drippy-owned, cold press juice bar.
The Dripping Root is one of our restaurant partners that donates 100% of their proceeds to The Aliveness Project. When asked why she participates, Caitesha said, “We know that there are still so many people living with HIV. We have lost friends to AIDS complications. It is so important to us to support such a great event that can create awareness and bring attention to people who have been overlooked for so long.”
The Dripping Root has been Dining Out for Life partners for the past two years, ever since Catiesha opened her business pouring her heart and soul into health, wellness and juicing!
“Because of Granny Drip’s (Caitesha’s mom’s) involvement within the community I was around all walks of life at an early age.” Catiesha has been dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding HIV since she can remember. After participating in Dining Out for Life annually since 1998, it was a natural decision for her to ensure her own dream restaurant became a part of this event.
For Dining Out for Life, The Dripping Root created special items such as the limited-edition For Life bowl, made with a strawberry base, plant-based whip, strawberry drizzle, strawberries, strawberry granola, banana, peanut butter, and raspberry. Initially, The Dripping Root’s business hours were until 1 pm, but this product became so popular Catiesha had to stay open until 6pm her first year.
Fast forward to last month, Catiesha and Granny Drip explained that since The Aliveness Project is so close to their heart and that so many people wanted these limited edition items they ended up extending Dining Out For Life for eight days!!! This extension meant eight days of 100% of their proceeds going directly to our food programming for members living with HIV.
“For as long as the Dripping Root is in business, we will always be supporters of The Aliveness Project. I also encourage more restaurants to participate. You can make money any other day of the year. What’s one day? It’s one day that helps support so many. It’s nothing – I did eight!! It’s doing the right thing and it makes you truly feel good. When you feel good you glow different.”
The Dripping Root hours are:
Thursday & Friday 7am-1pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am-1pm.
The Dripping Root is located at 4002 Minnehaha Ave MPLS, MN 55406.
We are incredibly grateful for their continued support
