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John Dunsmore isn't shy about giving away free smoothies for a cause.
“Rather than just write a check, we give our time and our product,” said the owner of Robeks stores in Norwalk, Westport and Cos Cob.
Dunsmore and his team set up smoothie stands this past March for the Spin Odyssey fundraiser at Intensity, a fitness center in Norwalk. They did the same at the Norwalk Education Foundation’s annual “Taste for Education” event at Aitoro’s restaurant.
In May, they refreshed runners and spectators at the Minuteman race in Westport and patrons at the Cocktails & Cabaret fundraiser for the Norwalk Senior Center.
Some causes hit closer to home than others for Dunsmore. On June 9, Robeks provided their fruit, juice and yogurt creations to those who volunteered at the head-shaving event at Norwalk High School to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Proceeds were donated to help pay for childhood cancer research grants.
Five years ago, Dunsmore was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of cancer most commonly found in children, which caused him to develop a tumor in his sinus cavity and lose his sense of smell. He underwent chemotherapy treatment for three years.
Now that Dunsmore has been granted what he calls “a second chance at life,” the longtime soccer coach for Norwalk High School and the Norwalk Parks and Recreation Center teams wants to make a difference.
“I've always related well to young people, and we have a youthful and energetic environment at Robeks,” he said.
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