Owners start a GoFundMe Page to help other businesses
It’s been a tough year for small businesses. Some were closed for months during the pandemic. Others lost revenue, because their customers were short of funds or avoiding public places. Almost every business has incurred new expenses to keep their clientele safe.
The government has tried to help. But, for many stores, it hasn’t been enough. The owners of Devitt’s Nursery and Supply in New Windsor considered the plight of their fellow business-owners and reached a consensus. “Some-thing more needs to be done.”
It was a New Year’s resolution they were determined to keep. The three men (Chris Fitch, Gerald Gizzarelli and Eben York) decided on a GoFundMe page that would be open to the public through January.
They added the message, “If you are a business that has not been hit hard by the pandemic please join us in our campaign to raise funds to help other Mid-Hudson businesses that are not as fortunate.”
At the end of the month, the organizers will form a committee to decide how the money will be distributed. They hope to raise $100,000 and help as many businesses as they can.
As of Jan. 3, the fund was just a few days old. It had received $5,300 without much advanced publicity.
People who would like to add to that total can visit www.supporthvbiz.com up until Jan. 31.
Proprietors looking for help should note the following instructions on the GoFundMe Page. “If you are a small business in the Mid-Hudson region, including Orange, Dutchess, Ulster or Putnam in need of help you can send your information to HVBizfund@gmail.com along with a paragraph or two on how the pandemic has affected your business.” Devitt’s plan is to run the fundraiser through January and disperse 100% of the funds to selected local businesses in the following month.
