The full impact of the Downtown Tipp City Coronavirus Relief Fund likely can never be calculated, but evidence of its successes is visible all around the historic downtown.
The fund, started in spring 2020 by the Downtown Tipp City Partnership with $10,000 seed support from the Tipp City Foundation and added community donations, continues its work as the COVID-19 pandemic remains.
The fund was intended to “support the preservation and livelihood of Tipp City’s historic downtown business district amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.”
During the past year, 20 businesses have benefited from the fund with distributions totaling just more than $20,000, said Kim Bulgin, executive director of the DTCP.
“I believe the impact this fund has had on our community has been one full of hope and perseverance. I think is was created during a time when so many people needed good news,” Bulgin said. “I think It helped encouraged the businesses to keep pushing through. One day at a time.”
Those eligible for the relief fund are employers in the downtown district who are DTCP members. Applications still are being taken at www.downtowntippcity.org.
Among employers that applied for funding was Grounds for Pleasure on Main Street. The business was closed for several weeks in the spring and an application was made with hopes it would help with operating expenses as the business again opened, said Teanna Lambert.
“When we were able to reopen, we had to do so with carry out orders only. Our business is one that thrives on the community that is created and conversations that are had while sitting down and having a cup of coffee,” she said. “In fact, it is the real reason we exist--to help cultivate an environment where people can connect to each other. Transitioning to a take-out only establishment was certainly not something that we were prepared for.”
Lambert said the week the relief fund arrived was an interesting one for Grounds for Pleasure. Not only were rent and payroll due but the ice machine broke beyond repair and acrylic barriers to prepare for opening had been ordered.
“The relief funds definitely came at a great time to help us with our normal operating expenses as we dealt with other expenses that we weren't anticipating,” Lambert said.
The application process was easy and she would encourage other employers who would benefit to apply, Lambert said.
“We are very thankful that the Tipp City Foundation and DTCP came together to create this fund for our downtown businesses,” she said. “We are also very grateful for the community support we have seen in the last year! Those that donated to the relief fund as well as those that continue to choose to shop and dine in our downtown --YOU have made a huge difference for so many and we would love to take this opportunity to say thank you.”
Donations still are being accepted to the relief fund at www.downtowntippcity.org.
To ensure businesses are aware of its availability, there is the special section on the web page, word has been spread via social media and Bulgin talks with business owners about the fund when she does in-person visits, said Andi Trezciak, DTCP board chair.
Although grant checks are not huge, they are a sign that DTCP is doing what it can and it’s available to help in various ways, Trezciak said.
“There were many community members who were major donors to the fund in addition to the Tipp City Foundation and we are incredibly grateful for their support,” she said.
Bulgin said DTCP is hopeful those who have not taken advantage of the fund yet apply for it.
“Ultimately this relief fund was a way to bring everyone together and help each other. I think we achieved that. We showed up and represented Tipp City well,” Bulgin said. “Tipp pride? We are a tight knit community and always show up when it’s needed the most.”
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Tipp City Foundation is a member fund of The Troy Foundation. You can make a difference with your dollars in our community by:
- Donating online here.
- Making your check payable to the Tipp City Foundation and mail to P.O. Box 626, Tipp City, OH 45371.
- Setting up a fund or legacy plan by contacting Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
All marketing activities of the Foundation is 100% underwritten by generous sponsors. Please contact us at info@tippfoundation.org for information on how your business or organization can become our partner in philanthropy.
- Silver Sponsor - Thrivent Financial (Matt Buehrer)
- Bronze Sponsors - Advanced Machinery Companies; Dunaway Family Foundation; Dungan & LeFevre; Ever-Green Turf & Landscape; Gibson Law Offices; Monroe Federal Savings and Loan; New Carlisle Federal Savings Bank; Pickrel, Schaeffer and Ebeling; Unity National Bank
- Friend Sponsors - Captor Corp.; Edward Jones (Neil Nehring); Frings & Bayliff Funeral Home; Minster Bank; RSM US; Turnstone Financial; US Bank
- Media Sponsor - Tippecanoe Gazette
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