Adrian Smart, Idaho Coffee Company to Launch “The Great Give Back”, Wednesday, August 10

August 7, 2022

Pocatello, ID–As a boy who grew up in a large, single-parent family in Africa, Adrian Smart learned early what poverty means.  He recalls how his mother struggled to keep her children fed, clothed, and educated in a country where nothing was free, and how even in her own struggles she refused to limit her efforts to only her own family.  “I remember one time,” he said, “my mom went to bed hungry for a few days so that she could spend whatever little change she had to help my two friends/neighbors’ kids with food and school supplies so that they could go to school and learn properly without an empty stomach.”  These influences left their mark on young Adrian.  “I promised myself, When I grow up, I will do my best to help and make a difference by any means necessary,” he explained.

Adrian Smart came to Idaho over 20 years ago, and has built a career helping people with disabilities.  While some might consider this an adequate way to make a difference, Smart dreamed of doing more.  His dreams took a giant step toward fulfillment when he met Deidra Terrell, owner of Idaho Coffee Company in Chubbuck.

Their initial meeting showed no signs of being extraordinary.  Deidra Terrell needed a DJ for a family party, and someone put her in touch with Adrian Smart, who works as a DJ on the side (he owns LP&H Entertainment).  During the ensuing conversation, however, they realized they shared a passion for helping the community.  Smart told Terrell about his dream of organizing a fundraiser to help women and children, and Terrell instantly realized the potential for a partnership between him and Idaho Coffee Company.  Thus was born the Great Give Back.

The Great Give Back will kick off on August 10 at Idaho Coffee Company on 322 E. Chubbuck Road.  Adrian Smart will have a tent and tables set up next to the coffee company from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  He will be accepting donations of backpacks and all types of school supplies, which will be given to needy local families.  Smart will return every Wednesday in August at the same time.

Local businesses are also invited to support the Great Give Back by donating items for a silent auction.  100% of the proceeds will be used to purchase more school supplies to be donated to area students.  The auction items will be available for viewing at Smart’s tent every Wednesday in August, and bids will be accepted throughout the month.  So far, nearly twenty businesses have joined the Give Back, and that number continues to grow.

The Great Give Back Finale will be held on August 31.  Auction winners will be announced that day.  No one needs to present in order to win, but winners will need to pay for their items within 24 hours.

Businesses who wish to participate in the Great Give Back, and parents who would like to receive supplies, may contact Adrian Smart at 208-240-8035 or Deidra Terrell at 936-615-7787.  For more information, click on the flyer below.