November 4, 2025
Service for Change raises $60,000 for Wichita Habitat for Humanity
The local restaurant and bar community’s collective effort, the Service for Change initiative, has culminated in a remarkable achievement, raising nearly $60,000 for Wichita Habitat for Humanity. The initiative, which united 17 local businesses, has made significant strides toward funding the construction of a new home for a family in Sedgwick County.
The ambitious campaign was first announced in April 2024, with an initial goal of raising $100,000 to build a new Habitat for Humanity home. Spearheaded by Jennifer Ray, owner of Monarch, the initiative brought together breweries, bars, restaurants, and a spirits brand under the banner of intentional giving and collaborative action within the service industry. This was sparked by a powerful discussion from her experience at Leadership Wichita.
Throughout the campaign, participating establishments hosted a variety of engaging events and promotions designed to involve patrons and pool resources. Key efforts from these businesses included, but were not limited to:
- Launch Party: Service for Change officially kicked off with a launch party at Central Standard Brewing in May 2024, where proceeds from the special “Lunacorn” beer and merchandise were donated to Wichita Habitat.
- Diverse Fundraising: The initiative hosted various fundraisers, like Keep the Glass events and signature dishes, where a portion of the proceeds from each directly contributed to Service for Change.
- Milestones: Donations throughout the year helped build the funding for Service for Change, demonstrating the power of small, consistent contributions from multiple local businesses and their dedicated customers.
The fundraising efforts were celebrated with a check presentation event at Public at the Brickyard. The celebration invited the community also to raise (and keep) a glass to the industry’s incredible commitment.
Service for Change’s success highlights a powerful commitment from the local service industry, demonstrating the power to collaborate and come together as a collective. While the initial initiative addresses the pressing need for affordable housing, Service for Change also shows how partnerships can quickly adapt and meet the growing needs of our community. Danielle Johnson, executive director of Wichita Habitat for Humanity, spoke to the impact of this unique partnership:
“The commitment and efforts of our local restaurant industry through Service for Change have been truly inspiring. To see 17 businesses step up to collectively support a family in Sedgwick County, and to do so with such passion, creates a remarkable rippling effect across our entire community. It demonstrates how powerful partnership thrive when people come together for a common, vital cause—in this case, building stability and hope, one home at a time.”
The funds raised will directly support the construction of a safe, affordable home, marking a significant milestone in a new family’s journey toward successful homeownership. Service for Change’s fundraising efforts continue into the remainder of 2025 through direct funding support, aiming to reach its $100,000 goal and solidify its legacy as a model for community collaboration. Donate to Service Change by clicking here.
Wichita Habitat for Humanity would like to thank the following businesses who have supported Service for Change:
