Heart on Main Street’s One Day. One Heart. fundraiser brought the gift and home industry together for a day of giving during the recent Atlanta Market event at AmericasMart Atlanta. With support from showroom partners, sales representatives and market attendees, the July 18 all-day event raised more than $25,000 to benefit independent retailers impacted by natural disasters.
Hosted across 11 participating showrooms, Heart on Main Street described the fundraiser as “a statement of solidarity.” Attendees were invited to visit participating showrooms and scan QR codes to make donations throughout the day, with each donation going directly to support rebuilding efforts for Main Street retailers across the country.
Participating showrooms included The Butler Group, Two’s Company, OneCoast, The Link Companies, Raz Imports, nora fleming, Road Runners, tag, Transpac Brands, Gib Carson and Associates.
“This is what makes our industry so special,” said Patrick Keiser, executive director of Heart on Main Street. “We have fierce competition on the sales floor, but when small businesses are in trouble, we come together. Events like One Day. One Heart. show that this community is always ready to step up for Main Street.”
Participating showrooms such as RoadRunners shared about the importance of supporting and giving back to independent retailers in need.
“As a sales agency deeply rooted in the independent retail community, we believe in supporting the people who make Main Street thrive,” said Angela Schmook, principal at RoadRunners. “Participating in the One Day. One Heart. campaign during Atlanta Market was an easy decision. You never know when or where disaster can strike and insurance doesn’t cover it all. We are committed to helping Main Street stay vibrant. Heart on Main Street is doing the vital work of turning compassion into action, and we’re proud to stand behind their mission.”
The Link Companies CEO Brad Rosenkampff added, “We believe independent retailers are the backbone of our industry. That’s why we proudly support Heart on Main Street. Their mission aligns with our company values, and by working together, we’re helping ensure Main Streets across the country remain strong, resilient and full of life. Supporting them is our way of giving back to the heart of retail: the small businesses that make every community unique.”
Proceeds from the event will support Heart on Main Street’s disaster relief fund, which has already helped retailers such as Willow Creek Gifts in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, and J. Gabriel in Waynesville, North Carolina. The event follows the success of Heart on Main Street’s January fundraiser hosted by The Link Companies, which raised over $20,000 in one evening.
