GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — There is an area bed and breakfast that is unique and rich with history.
The owners of the Astor House have made it their mission to raise money and awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. They're using coffee, music, books, and jewelry.
"This house has a lot of rich history in Green Bay," says Linda Steber, owner of the Astor House Bed and Breakfast.
Linda lost her sister, Jeannine, to suicide in 2018. It was unexpected.
"From the day she was born I was her best friend and she was mine," Linda explains. "We did not know that was a potential in her life. We had no idea. We didn't see warning signs for that."
She describes her little sister as charismatic and a bright light of joy.
"Beyond her obvious physical beauty, was this amazing heart and amazing soul," continues Linda.
That's why Linda says it's so important for families to have important conversations about feelings. So they found a cause that supports awareness and prevention.
"In the midst of the worse thing that has ever happened in our family, we wanted to do something positive," Linda says.
They discovered the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or AFSP. Then they created a CD in honor of Jeannine's talent.
They also found a jewelry maker who would mimic Jeannie's style and another unique opportunity to raise funds and awareness fell into their laps.
On the anniversary of Jeannie's death, Linda's daughter hired the actor Scott Patterson to do a cameo. He plays Luke on Gilmore Girls.
Scott reached out to the Astor House to tell them he runs a coffee company. He promoted the Astor House on a national scale, driving up business in the midst of a pandemic.
You can now enjoy Scotty P's Big Mug Coffee when you stay at the Bed and Breakfast, knowing a portion of the proceeds goes to the AFSP.
Linda's daughter, Lorelei, wrote a book while grieving the loss of her aunt.
"It touches very tenderly on the topic of suicide and what it feels like to have lost somebody and be living with a broken heart," explains Linda.
It's called 'The Circus of Stolen Dreams' and $3 of every book sale also goes to ASFP.
A stay at the Astor House Bed and Breakfast is about more than charming hospitality.
"In the mornings we serve breakfast unlike any other," says Linda.
It's an opportunity to help out a cause that is near and dear to the owner's heart.
You can reserve a stay through Air BNB or by heading to the Astor House website.
Again, all jewelry, CD's, books and coffee is sold at the Bed and Breakfast, and a portion of all proceeds goes directly to the AFSP.
