The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is launching the Buy Local, Give Local Fund, a campaign to help those in need in the community by purchasing products and services from local businesses in Downtown Traverse City during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DDA is working with four area organizations, Goodwill Inn, Munson Healthcare Foundation, Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center and Traverse City Area Public Schools to provide items to youth, front line workers and patients affected by COVID-19. Funds will be distributed toward the purchase of various items such as books, puzzles and art supplies for the youth, food items and employee incentives for front line workers, and care packages for patients and family members directly impacted by COVID-19.
“Our strength is in our community and our continued support of one another. This has been and will continue to be Downtown Traverse City. We may have been rocked by this pandemic, but we will restore the heart of our community in Downtown. This fund will allow everyone to help small businesses, as well as bring relief to youth, families and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are stronger together and we will move forward step by step to help each other through these difficult times,” says Jean Derenzy, DDA CEO.
The Buy Local, Give Local Fund will launch with a $5,000 grant from the Grand Traverse Community Foundation recently awarded to the DDA. Through the crowdfunding platform Patronicity, the DDA is aiming to raise an additional $10,000 through contributions. Additionally, Roth Shirt Co. in Downtown Traverse City has launched a “Faith over Fear” T-shirt, and $14 of each purchase will benefit the fund. To date, Roth Shirt Co. will be donating $2,200. Purchase may be at rothshirtco.com. All funds will pass through to directly support those in need.
The Buy Local, Give Local Fund launched on Monday, April 20 and goes through April 30. Contributions may be made through the online platform Patronicity (direct link here). Additional information may be found here.