HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As of Friday morning, RallyReno.org has reached $60,000! Earlier this week, the initial goal of $50,000 was met and another donor through Hutchinson Community Foundation’s donor advised funds stepped up and added an additional $25,000 for the matching funds.
“It has been so rewarding to get calls and emails from our Hutch Chamber members who are thrilled to see the community and non-profit organizations coming together to do something not only for the businesses but for people who are finding themselves in need amidst the impacts of COVID-19. The dollars of purchases on Rally Reno County are helping small businesses now when they need it the most. The checks cut each week from purchases are helping our small business members cover critical expenses to keep their businesses viable – sometimes covering utilities, rent, insurance and payroll to help them make it through this business disruption,” said Debra Teufel, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber President & CEO. “It’s also been wonderful to see the non-profit agencies come together to solve a need in the community in quick fashion. These strong relationships across our organizations will collectively help our community and citizens sustain during this unprecedented time and create more collaboration models for future community crisis work together.”
Hutchinson Community Foundation, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber, and United Way of Reno County originally launched Rally Reno County on March 26th. It is an online tool that enables customers to put dollars in the hands of their favorite retail, service and hospitality businesses while providing assistance to those affected by layoffs or reductions in pay. The program operates off the basic premise of “buy local, give local.” When a customer buys a gift card through RallyReno.org, the value of that gift card will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, with basic needs assistance to individuals and families who have been directly impacted by layoffs or wage loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of this morning, 89 businesses are participating in Rally Reno County. There are links for both businesses to join and individuals to apply for the unmet needs fund on RallyReno.org.