The cafe in Lincoln steps up to help an employee after a tragic loss

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – For people struggling with grief, they often manage to lean on the people around them to get through it. Now a Lincoln business is stepping up to be a support system for one of its own businesses in the face of tragedy.

Brenda Kasaty, owner of Rose Cat Coffee Co., describes Loree and Roger Woods as passionate advocates and supporters of their daughter Taylor and the IDD community.

“If you had anything to do with the disability community here in Lincoln, you probably knew who Loree and Roger Woods were, and you definitely know who Taylor is,” Kasaty said.

On September 29, Loree and Roger died in an accident on the Colorado River while celebrating their wedding anniversary in the Grand Canyon.

“They did everything together. Loree was her (Taylor’s) person, and so was Roger,” Kasaty said. “They were Taylor’s sole caretakers, conservators and primary caretakers. And her life was kind of turned upside down.”

Taylor Woods is a barista at Rose Cat Coffee Co. The store opened six months ago with a mission to empower and support people in the IDD, intellectual and developmental disabilities community. Kasaty said it was an idea Loree championed from the beginning.

“I want this so much, not only for her daughter but for others in the IDD community,” Kasaty said. “We got beat up on opening day, which was great, but she showed up and was in the back bringing milk around and just doing everything she knew she was always there to help.”

Now Rose Cat Coffee Co. is focused on helping Taylor by hosting a fundraiser to support her.

“Their ongoing basic needs and care must be financially supported. As more than just her employer, as her friend and as part of this community, we’re just trying to do our part to help her and make sure she’s okay.”

The fundraiser for Taylor will be held at the store, 5600 S. 48th St., from 2 to 6 p.m

“We’ll have live music and cotton candy and face painting and everything else that’s fun and fun for Taylor.”

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