MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR DON SELLE
WHEREAS, The members of the City Council are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Don Selle, a beloved friend and community member in Rogers Park; and
WHEREAS, Don was a prominent business owner and operator, notably of Don's Coffee Club on Jarvis Street in Rogers Park; and
WHEREAS, Don set out to create an environment that allowed people to relax, read and converse in a warm, intimate environment, fostering connections between people and centering friendships, fun and love in the cafe's activities; and
WHEREAS, Don offered high-quality coffee, delicious pastries and swing music, including a custom blend of coffee just for the club, comprised of several varieties of South American and Arabica coffees, that took seven months to perfect for the enjoyment of patrons; and
WHEREAS, Due to Don's efforts, Don's Coffee Club became a safe haven for many neighbors in Rogers Park, originally founded as a homage to the Scandinavian coffee rituals of his family heritage; and
WHEREAS, The Rogers Park community was fond of the club, with regular attendance at themed events such as "Sunday Swing Nights", where guests danced to the greatest hits of the 1930s and 40s; and
WHEREAS, Don often supported community causes through the coffee club, such as when he converted his annual "Prom Night" to fundraise for a local business owner who experienced an assault on himself and his business, raising nearly $1,000 for his recovery; and
WHEREAS, "Prom Nights" in and of themselves were one of the most notable events at Don's during the year, attracting hundreds of guests in prom dresses and tuxedos to mingle in the area decorated with hundreds of balloons and crepe-paper streamers; and
WHEREAS, Don's Coffee Club was often featured in local and city newspapers to highlight the late hours, special events and Don's unique and remarkable attitude towards patrons and fostering a sense of community; and
WHEREAS, The Club was also featured in literature such as the national bestseller, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, that references the club by name and describes the food and coffee experience; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this 31st of May, do hereby honor the life and legacy of Don Selle, and extend our most heartfelt condolences to family and friends; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family and friends of Don Selle as a token of our honor, gratitude and respect.