The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that the Barton Strong campaign has met their goal in selling $20,000 in gift cards and certificates to participating businesses raising another $20,000 in matching funds. Matching funds were donated by the Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation and Albert Gumbir Charitable Fund at the Golden Belt Community Foundation.
Together, the Great Bend, Hoisington and Ellinwood Chambers of Commerce, along with the Golden Belt Community Foundation and United Way of Central Kansas invited consumers to rally around Barton County businesses and the individuals and families who live and work here and negatively impacted during this global pandemic. United together, these organizations launched Barton Strong: Shop Small, Give Big, where shopping local meets giving local, on April 20th.
“The concept was simple: consumers purchase gift cards from their favorite businesses and a matching gift was made, dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact and bolstering the community as we rebound from COVID-19,” said Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President, Megan Barfield.
Seven days in, eager shoppers purchased over $10,000 from 26 different businesses in Barton county garnering the first $10,000 from the Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation. Director of the Foundation, Katherine Opie noted, “The Barton Strong campaign shows the willingness of our citizens to support each other during the most difficult times, by investing in local businesses and families and showing faith in the future of our community.”
Today, there are 48 businesses consumers can shop in one location. While the matching gifts goal of $20,000 was met, the site will continue to offer consumers an easy way to support their community indefinitely.
Thrilled to be a part, Gaila Demel, Executive Director of the United Way of Central Kansas says, “We are so grateful to be a part of a collective project that brings people, resources and community spirit together. This truly has been an innovative way to continue to support businesses and make an impact on the most vulnerable in our community facing challenges today.”
Christy Tustin, Golden Belt Community Foundation Executive Director further explains, “The matching funds will be granted to Barton County food banks, as well as to Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas and Barton County Emergency Aid Association. These organizations are ready to help individuals and families who may be in need of assistance, whether it is help with utilities, food, housing, or other needs.”
A local business looking to give back stepped up to offer the public an additional way to participate in the Barton Strong campaign. Heather Nicolet, Co-Owner of SS Graphics, a screen printing and promotional product business in Great Bend, created a website intended to unite under the Barton Strong: Shop Small, Give Big logo.
“SS Graphics is passionate about the community and when we saw an opportunity to give back, we jumped right in! We were happy to present a check to Christy Tustin with the Golden Belt Community Foundation,” says Heather Nicolet. By teaming up with the Golden Belt Community Foundation, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, and United Way, SS Graphics launched a merchandise fundraiser for the #BartonStrong campaign selling shirts, cups, and tote bags.
Both the #BartonStrong site (greatbend.org/bartonstrong) and the fundraising shop (bartonstrong.spiritsale.com) will remain open with 25% of all proceeds being donated to Golden Belt Community Foundation for those in need. Shoppers are encouraged to continue shopping the many businesses through Barton Strong until all our businesses have successfully reopened. Questions can be directed to gbcc@greatbend.org or by calling the Chamber at 620-792-2401.