About this Event
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all rest assured that the items we rely upon every day – the mattress we sleep on, the coffee that wakes us up, the ingredients in our meals, the rum in our nightcap – were made by people who are treated fairly for their labor? If you, too, dream of a fairer world, join us for a joyful World Fair Trade Day celebration!
On Saturday, May 2, the Chicago Fair Trade Museum is throwing open its doors for a vibrant, all‑day celebration spotlighting five inspiring ethical business models that are reshaping their industries, featuring:
- Tasting sessions featuring rich fair trade coffee, exquisite olive oils, and small‑batch rum
- A fascinating presentation on sustainable, ethically made mattresses
- A lively, insight‑packed panel conversation exploring what ethical business looks like in practice
Between sessions, guests can wander through our museum exhibits, shop for beautiful and meaningful goods in our fair trade store, enjoy fair trade refreshments, and play fun games to win fair trade prizes. And don’t miss our grand prize drawing—one lucky attendee will take home a brand‑new fair trade Earthfoam mattress!
It’s a day of learning, tasting, celebrating, and championing the people who make our world more just and sustainable.
With a $20 donation to join the event*, you’ll receive an entry into our raffle for a brand‑new Earthfoam fair trade mattress in the size of your choice. It’s a win‑win: support fair trade, fuel the celebration, and maybe head home with the dreamiest prize of all!
Here’s what’s happening throughout the day:
11 am- 12 pm Coffee tasting with Andrea Woolverton, co-founder of
Twin Engine Coffee champions Nicaraguan coffees crafted entirely at origin. Their model centers farmers, fair wages, and environmental stewardship while celebrating local expertise, keeping value in Nicaragua, and delivering delicious coffees with a mission rooted in dignity and sustainability.
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Presentation and Q&A with Karl Shevick, co-founder/ CEO of
Earthfoam is dedicated to transforming sleep through truly ethical, fully traceable natural rubber mattresses. Earthfoam partners directly with smallholder farmers, ensuring fair wages and clean supply chains while delivering exceptional comfort and championing environmental responsibility, worker dignity, and transparency in the mattress industry.
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Ethical business model panel discussion with moderator Shelly Ruzicka
Take part in a discussion with ethical business leaders and learn how companies build transparency into their supply chains, ensure fair wages, and create worker ownership; explore topics like regenerative agriculture, circular‑economy design, community‑rooted entrepreneurship, and what it takes to scale ethically; and hear real‑world examples of challenges, innovations, and visions for a more just economy.
Shelly Ruzicka is a labor‑rights advocate and longtime communications leader at Arise Chicago. She amplifies worker voices, advances fair workplace policies, and builds powerful coalitions for economic justice. She was also a 2026 CFT Changemaker Award recipient.
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Olive oil tasting with Karmel Abufarha of
Canaan Palestine is a pioneering fair-trade food company that uplifts Palestinian farming communities through regenerative agriculture. Working with thousands of small‑scale growers, they produce exceptional artisanal foods while preserving cultural traditions and centering land stewardship and economic resilience.
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Rum tasting with Daniel Reguiera of
Chicago Cane Cooperative is a worker‑owned venture bringing transparency and justice to the rum supply chain. By partnering directly with sugarcane farmers, the cooperative ensures fair wages, regenerative agriculture, and community investment. Their craft rums celebrate culture and offer a new model for ethical, people‑powered spirits.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Come for the fair trade magic, stay for the tastings, and leave with your heart (and maybe your sleep!) transformed.
*If a donation is a barrier for you, please contact us, and we will make it work!
Daniel Reguira of Chicago Cane Cooperative
Karmel Abufarha of Canaan Palestine
Andrea Woolverton of Twin Engine Coffee
Karl Shevick of Earthfoam
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Chicago Fair Trade Museum & Store, 4704 North Broadway, Chicago, United States
USD 10.00 to USD 23.18
