Pictured, from left, are Rachel Jensen, Jefferson Elementary School resource teacher; Israel Gagnon, Jefferson Elementary student; and Winona Lake Police Department Sergeant Joe Bumbaugh at the Happy Beans Coffee counter. InkFreeNews photo by Patrick Webb.

By Patrick Webb
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — On Friday, Feb. 9, the Happy Beans Coffee shop in Jefferson Elementary kick-started a fundraiser for Israel Gagnon.

The Happy Beans Coffee shop was started in 2023 by Rachel Jensen, a resource teacher at Jefferson, and Stacey Gagnon, Israel’s mother. The friends were inspired by a similar project in the US, choosing students who they thought would best fill the role, Jensen said. Israel was one of the founding student baristas.

Students learn to take orders, create a budget, maintain supplies and social skills such as eye contact. Fifty percent of profits goes toward supplies, and 25% is for savings, such as a trip to Light Rail Cafe for a behind the scenes look.

The remaining profits go toward a good cause, such as Israel’s fundraiser. In the past, the students have given money to custodians, paraprofessionals and students.

Jensen described Israel as “always so joyful, willing to give you a hug and initiate a hug.” Israel, she said, is mindful of helping people and making sure the school is safe.

Winona Lake Police Department Sergeant Joe Bumbaugh provides security at Jefferson Elementary School and has known Israel and his family for years. Israel is an honorary member of the Winona Lake Police Department, Bumbaugh said, adding that Israel is “just a joy to be around.”

“He is my partner up at the school. He helps patrol the halls,” Bumbaugh said.

On Friday, Feb. 2, Israel went to school to participate in the Happy Beans Coffee hour. While at school, Israel’s kidney infection, thought to be under control, turned into sepsis, according to Bumbaugh. Israel was stabilized at a local hospital, then transported to the Riley Hospital For Children in Indianapolis.

The fundraiser was a group effort, Jensen said. Bumbaugh, a group of teachers and Principal Joshua Wall were speaking about Israel. Wall asked what Jefferson could do as Israel’s Spartan family.

Happy Beans Coffee came up, and Jensen said the idea “spiraled from there.”

The fundraiser hopes to raise $6-6,500 to cover the purchase of a new wheelchair, according to Stacey. The new wheelchair will include a motor to assist Israel.

“Israel has outgrown the wheelchair that he’s in, and insurance will cover the cost of a wheelchair of the hospital style,” Bumbaugh said. The lighter wheelchair “gives him a lot more mobility, flexibility to enjoy life, to play with other children his own age. He can take his wheelchair out into a lawn and not worry about sinking.”

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chris McKeand and Sheriff Jim Smith speak to Israel as they order drinks on Friday, Feb. 9. InkFreeNews photo by Patrick Webb.

Israel said he would like his new wheelchair to be black, white and blue, the color of a police vehicle.

Officers from various departments, such as the Indiana State Police, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, and Winona Lake Fire Department came to show their support and purchase drinks.

“It’s been very humbling,” Stacey said of the support, adding it was “a picture of good. Thank you from a mom’s heart.”

Any extra funds raised will go toward a bicycle. Bumbaugh spoke to Trailhouse Village Bikes, who estimated it will cost $3-4,000.

“Don’t have a good day, have a great day,” Israel said at the register.

All proceeds from Happy Beans Coffee during the week of Feb. 12-16 will go toward Israel’s fundraiser. Next week, students by grade will be able to buy hot chocolate for $2 to support the fundraiser, Jensen said.

Happy Beans will be open to the public 10-10:45 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12; 9:15-10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, to Thursday, Feb. 15;  and 8:45-10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16.

Donations can also be dropped off at any Lake City Bank location for the Israel Gagnon Fund. Tax receipts are available for donations.