Colectivo Coffee to auction Alterra signage for charity

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Colectivo Coffee is offering up a piece of history for a great cause. On Monday, December 16, beginning at 8 a.m., Colectivo will hold an auction of its iconic Alterra cafe signs and letters to raise money for Hunger Task Force. The auction will close on Monday, December 23.

This auction provides fans of the local 20-years-running coffee roaster the opportunity to own a piece of history for the benefit of one of Milwaukee’s largest food banks. All of the signs were designed by Alterra/Colectivo’s small team of artists and craftspeople, many of whom fabricated the pieces by hand.

"We thought this was a fun way to celebrate our history with Milwaukee and help give back to a worthy cause within our community – especially this time of year," said Scott Schwebel, director of marketing at Colectivo.

The sale will be hosted via the OnMilwaukee's Shop Local Marketplace, powered by Okanjo, a social e-commerce company. Shoppers will be able to buy and browse two ways: fixed bid and live auction. Multiple signs and letters, that once hung from the walls of Alterra cafes are being sold at prices ranging from $99-$500. Four of the most recognizable pieces – from the Lakefront, U.S. Bank, Prospect Ave. and the Humboldt Blvd. Roasting facility - will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

To participate in the auction, buyers can go to shoplocal.onmilwaukee.com/alterrasigns. Shipping is not available, and all signs must be picked up before Jan. 15, 2014 from Colectivo Humboldt in Riverwest, located at 2999 N. Humboldt Blvd.