Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
My friends Blake and Jill have been the forces behind organizing this awesome event, which encompasses 33 generous downtown businesses and three local nonprofits. All the proceeds go directly to the nonprofits – there’s no middleman taking a cut. I’m actively supporting this effort, and I hope you will, too. Read on to learn how:
In December 2013, seven downtown Asheville businesses joined together to create 12 Days of Giving. The program was designed to contribute directly to three local non-profits that help feed, clothe and shelter the homeless: Haywood Street Congregation, ABCCM, and Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. The seven founding businesses include Creperie Bouchon, Cúrate, 5 Walnut, Izzy’s Coffee, and Wicked Weed Brewing and Adapt. This year the program has expanded significantly, and now includes 33 businesses.
12 Days of Giving makes it easy to give back. Each business has designated one item for the “12 Days.” Every time this item is purchased between December 18th and December 31st, 10% of the proceeds will be donated the three downtown organizations.
Kristine Buckwalter, Donor Relations Manager for Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, said: “What a beautiful gift this is for our entire community! Creating a way to come together – businesses, patrons and non-profits – around the single purpose of caring for those who are homeless says a great deal about our city. We are grateful to these businesses for their compassion and generosity and for bringing much ‘comfort and joy’ to many this Christmas season.”
This is the second year of 12 Days of Giving, and the hope is it will continue to grow to include more participating businesses beyond downtown.
“This is the season of giving, so supporting the least fortunate in our community, which has been so supportive of me, my family and our restaurants, seems just the right way to end the year,” said Michel Baudouin, owner of Bouchon and Creperie Bouchon. “We’re helping provide a meal and a warm, safe place to sleep, which is so basic, but so necessary in this cold weather.”
12 Days of Giving shows the impact the business community can have when they join together to help make a difference in people’s lives.
To learn more about 12 Days of Giving, visit www.12daysasheville.com