After two weeks of fundraising, Western Kansas Community Foundation together with Garden City Downtown Vision collected over $20,000 in donations in support of Traditions Soda and Sandwich Shop in Downtown Garden City.
The campaign remains open through July 15 to help the owner Mike, who is battling cancer, with making necessary repairs to his building.
The idea for the campaign was launched by Garden City Downtown Vision. After learning about Mike’s health problems and the structural building issues at Traditions Soda & Sandwich Shop, Downtown Vision wanted to help. It saw an opportunity to work together with Western Kansas Community Foundation as a trusted philanthropy organization that continues to support the community.
Garden City Downtown Vision and Western Kansas Community Foundation initiated the community grassroots fundraising campaign together. The goal was to rally community support for the owner while saving the historic structure of his landmark restaurant; and the community came through!
According to Conny Bogaard, WKCF’s Executive Director, the partnership with Downtown Vision came at the right time.
“When Janet suggested we’d work together to help Traditions, we were all on board. WKCF is used to administering a lot of gifts in a short time, whereas Downtown Vision excels at promoting downtown business opportunities,” she said. “All we needed was the community to step up, and we’re so grateful it did. In fact, donations came in from other communities as well, showing the regional popularity of Traditions!”
Checks must be made out to WKCF and can be mailed to or dropped off at 402 N. Main, Garden City, KS 67846. Online transactions can be made through WKCF’s secure giving portal https://wkcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1990
All gifts for Traditions are tax deductible.
WKCF and Garden City Downtown Vision staff always welcome visiting with individuals and donors wanting to learn more about community projects. To learn more about WKCF visit www.wkcf.org, or call 620-271-9484. Garden City Downtown Vision can be reached at www.gcdowntown.com, or at 620-276-0891.
