What can we do for our community?
When business owners look for the answer to that question, you know you're in the right place.
Larry and Michelle Sell took over the Timbuktu Bar & Grill when a good friend's health forced him to lessen his role running the business.
That was five years ago. Since then, the Sells have been searching for local events and causes to support.
"It is something we wanted to do from Day One," Larry Sell said. "We needed something that fit us. We look at jobs like police officers, firefighters, and teachers as community servants. They work hard for us and don't get paid a lot for it. We wanted a way to give back to them."
That opportunity came when Andover Police Officer Randall Harris had his career threatened by a stroke. He had always dreamed of providing a college education for his daughter.
That's when the Sells and many other Andover businesses stepped in to make his dream come true.
With the help of Fire and Iron, they organized and ran a Poker Run, silent auction (with items donated by local businesses), and other fundraising events to help pay for her education.
That event raised more than $6,000 and started the ball rolling for more events that have followed.
It's success led to the Sells being honored by the Andover City Council with a Police Citizens’ Award.
"We felt kind of funny about the award," Larry said. "That's not why we did it. But it was nice of them to do that."
Michelle still gets emotional talking about their involvement in the fundraiser.
"It was bigger than helping pay for Jessica's education," she said. "It was about making Randall's dream for her come true. It was to recognize his service to our community."
They haven't gotten out of the support business at Timbuktu. They have a project called Community Partners that allows patrons to nominate qualified people and organizations. Each month they select one of those nominees and donate $100 to the cause.
"We like that program because the customers choose where the money goes," Larry said.
Involvement in the community, in addition to a lively atmosphere and good food, is a big part of the reason Timbuktu has been an important part of Andover for more than 25 years. The Sells have every intention of making that impact even larger in the future.
Augusta, Kan. —
