All of the proceeds will go to downtown businesses via a grant program. It came together in a matter of four weeks to give an extra boost to the merchants ahead of the holiday season.
About 100 people participated in the inaugural Miles for Merchants 5K in the River District on Saturday morning.
“It came up through a brainstorming meeting with merchants about getting ready for the holidays and there was an understanding that it actually takes money to get ready for the holidays,” Diana Schwartz, CEO of the River District Association, told the Register & Bee.
“We wanted to make sure that we had a way for merchants to have everything they need to have a robust holiday season,” she said.
Adam Jones, owner of The Brick Running & Tri Store in downtown Danville, pitched the idea for a 5K event.
“All of the merchants immediately said, I’ll do this, and I’ll do this, and I’ll do this,” Schwartz said and “all pitched in together.”
Saturday’s 5K consisted of a mix of runners and walkers traversing through the streets of downtown before heading on the Danville Riverwalk Trail and then looping back.
Schwartz said her nonprofit was acting more as a support organization, but the idea was born at a meeting of the River District Association.
“But it’s truly one of the most collaborative promotions we’ve probably done in a long time,” she said.
The money will flow into a program called GET Boosted, which is designed for existing merchants. They can apply for up to $5,000 and are matched with a mentor from the Small Business Development Center to vet the planning for the money.
The money can be for things like more inventory or support to stay open longer during the holidays, Schwartz said.
Owning his business for 13 years, Jones knows of what he calls the ebb and flows faced by small businesses.
It often requires constant innovation to keep shoppers engaged, especially in the age of instant shopping on Amazon.
“What can we do so people do not push click,” Jones said of keeping strategies fresh.
“Without small businesses, there would be no city,” he said, giving “kudos” for those who stick with it.
The idea is for the 5K to become a yearly event rotating at spaces throughout the River District to spotlight businesses.
Saturday’s event started and ended at Collective Studio, owned by photographer Patrick Gibson.
He opened the studio and event space in August but has been in the photo business for a little more than a year.
“I’m just trying to break down that cady photographer wall,” he said of the open space designed for creatives. “Let people know there are 50,000 people in Danville, so there’s plenty of enough to go around for every creative.”
Gibson said he enjoys doing community outreach events. For example, on Oct. 24, he hosted a Halloween gathering for children that drew about 400 people.
“I was calling it a trunk or treat, but inside,” he said.
There’s a Collective Christmas Market planned from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 23 for local vendors and crafters.
From 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14 there will be an Enchanted Noel Ball as a fundraising endeavor.
“We’re sponsoring families,” Gibson said. “People who can’t afford Christmas and stuff for their kids,” will benefit.
He’s still looking for sponsors for that event.
“I think it’s great, for only a month of planning,” Gibson noted about Saturday’s Miles for Merchants 5K. “I think it’s a good cause.”
Read the original article here (Danville Register & Bee, Charles Wilborn)