Update: The campaign, which launched April 1, has raised over $172,000 for businesses after processing more than 3,800 orders and selling close to 17,248 shirts.
Missing your favorite local spots around town while we shelter-in-place? We feel ya. Local company and merchandise designer, Showpony, is working hard to fix that homesick feeling you have for margaritas at Nacho Mama's or avocado toast at Southern Salad.
Located in the heart of downtown Augusta, this local business has launched the #WeGiveAShirt campaign to support other local businesses during these unprecedented times. Proceeds from the limited edition sales go directly to the business of your choice, and you get a cool shirt in return. Win-win, right?
“We love the idea, it’s so awesome to have such support from our local economy and we love that local businesses are partnering to help other locals,” said Lisa Kahatib from Laziza Mediterranean Grill, a business featured in the t-shirt roundup.
“We, along with many of the participating businesses have been so humbled by the tremendous support the program has received. When we launched, we had hopes of writing checks for hundreds of dollars to help business manage in these tough times. Now we’re writing checks for thousands – and it’s all because of the generosity of the community,” said Sean Mooney, partner at Showpony.
ProTip: Start your order on Showpony's website - once sales surpass fifty shirts, they'll print and ship directly to your door!
He's not joking either. The effort has accumulated roughly over $172,000 in sales.
Becca Gulino, manager at the Boll Weevil Café saw the campaign and wanted to give it a shot and apply. After one day, five orders were placed and it just exploded. “We reached the fifty count to print and it was super humbling, especially being a restaurant that is tucked away in a corner, it really showed we haven’t been forgotten about and it’s warming to see our city standing behind us.”
Want to support your favorite local business with a purchase? We thought so. Start shopping Showpony's community campaign and give back to the businesses that keep our community happy & healthy. Be sure to use the hashtags #WeGiveAShirt and #LoveAugusta when sharing your shirt while you practice social distancing. While you're shopping, order lunch from a local restaurant by checking out our list of local spots offering curbside pickup or delivery services.
In efforts to mitigate growing health concerns, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has issued an executive order to shelter-in-place effective at 6 p.m. on April 3 through April 30, 2020. This executive order and the City of Augusta have closed all restaurant dining facilities, bars, and indoor recreational areas, including salons and gymnasiums. Local restaurants are still providing delivery options and curbside pickup so be sure to order your favorite Augusta dish. Questions regarding this executive order? Call the governor's toll-free hotline at 1-844-442-2681.
Taylor Crocker
Taylor is the former Manager of Augusta & Co. at Destination Augusta. An alum of the University of South Carolina, she is an avid Gamecock fan with a passion for animals, especially her two dogs, Maci & Oakley.