Katharina’s Café on the east side of Newport recently raised $1,150 for Newport Primary School.

Elena Williams owns the European-style café with her mother Christine Hambuch. Williams and her husband, Aaron, have a son Adrian who is in first grade at Newport Primary School (NPS). They took it upon themselves to hold a fundraiser to raise money to support their son’s school.

Katharina's was profiled by The River City News earlier this year.

The restaurant raised $500 during their Oktoberfest event. HPH Contractors, owned by Williams's father Herbert Hambuch, matched it with another $500. Guests also donated to the cause bringing the total to $1,150.

“When the whole community comes together to support the local schools it makes it that much easier for everyone to be successful,” said Elena Williams. “More importantly, it gives our children a chance to reach their goals.”

The money raised at the event will go towards buying books and instructional materials for Newport Primary’s book room. The book room is an initiative started by Kelly Middleton, Superintendent of Newport Independent School District, that contains thousands of texts for guided reading, mentor texts for teachers in all subject areas, and a professional library and center resources for teachers to use to reinforce their instruction.

“It feels great when people in the community step up and help out the school,” said Joshua Snapp, Principal of Newport Primary. “Research states that schools require the help of all; teachers, parents and the community working together to be successful. This is a shining example.”

“Newport Primary's mission is to nurture, prepare and support students so they may have successful futures. When the community supports our mission to support students, no matter the form, be it volunteering, fundraising and/or donating, students are bound to be more successful. We are truly thankful!”

Katharina’s Café is located at 529 Overton St. in Newport. They serve breakfast, deli-style lunches, and dinner as well as authentic German cakes and pastries. They also have an espresso bar.

-Staff report

Photos provided