Boxer John Cantrell supports Pet Assistance Network fundraiser

Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Deli hosts event to raise money for local animal welfare organization

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:48am

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene of people gathered inside a cozy coffee shop, with warm pools of light and color creating a welcoming atmosphere.The vibrant fundraiser at Higher Grounds Coffeehouse brought the Topeka community together to support a local animal welfare organization.Topeka Today

Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Deli in Topeka, Kansas hosted a fundraiser on Sunday, April 18 to raise money for the Pet Assistance Network of Topeka (PANT), a local nonprofit that helps care for animals temporarily separated from their families due to homelessness or other hardships. The event featured boxer John 'The Iron Man' Cantrell, who signed posters, donated a basket, and helped bring in customers to support the cause.

Why it matters

The fundraiser highlights the community-focused efforts of Higher Grounds, a local business that pays its employees a living wage and encourages customers to donate to nonprofits instead of tipping. It also showcases the charitable work of boxer John Cantrell, who has partnered with Higher Grounds on previous community initiatives.

The details

Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Deli, which pays its employees a living wage and does not accept tips, hosted the fundraiser to benefit the Pet Assistance Network of Topeka (PANT). The organization covers the cost of keeping animals in licensed shelters while their owners work to get back on their feet. To attract attention to the event, Higher Grounds majority owner Jordan Noller enlisted the help of local boxer John 'The Iron Man' Cantrell, who signed posters, donated a basket, and served as the face of the fundraiser.

  • The fundraiser took place on Sunday, April 18, 2026.
  • Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Deli hosts a fundraiser for a local nonprofit each quarter.

The players

Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Deli

A local coffee shop and deli in Topeka, Kansas that pays its employees a living wage and encourages customers to donate to nonprofits instead of tipping.

Pet Assistance Network of Topeka (PANT)

A local nonprofit organization that helps care for animals temporarily separated from their families due to homelessness or other hardships.

Jordan Noller

The majority owner of Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Deli.

John 'The Iron Man' Cantrell

A local boxer who supported the fundraiser by signing posters, donating a basket, and helping to bring in customers.

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What they’re saying

“John Cantrell was nice enough to sign posters, donate his time, donate a basket and kind of be the face to help bring people in.”

— Jordan Noller, Majority Owner, Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Deli

“It's all about paying it forward. It's about Topekans helping Topeka, and giving back to the community that serves us, and that helps us and takes care of us.”

— John Cantrell, Boxer

What’s next

Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Deli plans to continue hosting quarterly fundraisers for local nonprofits, with the next event scheduled for July 2026.

The takeaway

The fundraiser at Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Deli demonstrates the power of community partnerships and the impact that local businesses can have when they prioritize supporting their neighbors and giving back to the organizations that serve them.