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Activism
Activism
In a nutshell: with the Covid-19 pandemic, global protests against systemic racism and violence, and ongoing attacks on LGBTQ rights and individuals, “business as usual” in 2020 felt tone-deaf. I wasn’t sure how—or even whether—to open for the season. Then I had an idea that felt like it could actually make a difference—a small act of economic activism that motivated me and, I think, has been meaningful for others to watch develop.
Instead of offering the usual, expected discounts, 10% of every retail sale would be donated to a local nonprofit organization.
No discounts, no haggling, no bundle deals. Just the chance to have a portion of your purchase directed to a cause that matters. It’s not my money—it’s yours—and now it can go where it’s most needed. Everybody wins.
The current grand total of funds sent to local not‑for‑profits is $14923.
Round Five
November 17, 2024 – June 21, 2025
Greater Franklin Food Pantry
$
1310
The Greater Franklin Food Pantry not only serves as a free food hub, but also coordinates (through partnerships) with nutritional educators to help individuals and families with recipes and menu planning.Â
Round Four
May 2024 – November 16, 2024Â
Greater Franklin Food Pantry
$
1778
The Greater Franklin Food Pantry not only serves as a free food hub, but also coordinates (through partnerships) with nutritional educators to help individuals and families with recipes and menu planning.Â
Their annual drive to raise money for holiday food boxes seemed the perfect time to release the funds I’ve collected for them over the last several months.
Round Three
July 5, 2022 – January 2, 2024Â
Franklin Free Library
$
3179
Navajo Water Project
$
517
Update
Beginning on July 5, 2022 and continuing until further notice, 10% of every sale will support children’s programming at the Franklin Free Library. Visit FranklinFreeLibrary.org for information.
AND
Beginning October 7, 2022, 20% from sales of stationery inspired by the Southwest will be directed to the Navajo Water Project. Their incredible mission is to bring running water to the homes of the estimated 1-in-3 Navajo (that’s 58,000 people) currently living without it. More about them at NavajoWaterProject.org.
Round two
November 28, 2020 – July 5, 2022Â
Franklin Community Education Foundation
$
2618
Greater Franklin Food Pantry
$
2240
The Franklin Community Education Foundation ensures that kids not only have the tools they need to achieve in school, it also organizes and underwrites activities that fill the gaps left by ever-tightening school budgets.
The Greater Franklin Food Pantry not only serves as a free food hub, but also coordinates (through partnerships) with nutritional educators to help individuals and families with recipes and menu planning.
Round one
July – November 22, 2020Â
Boys and Girls Club of Oneonta
$
1118
Franklin Stage Company
$
1160
Gerrit Smith Estate and Abolition Museum
$
1003
The Oneonta Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to promot the health, social, educational, and character development of boys and girls throughout Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego counties.
Franklin Stage Company’s dual mission is to produce professional, admission-free theater that brings together audiences and artists to create community and celebrate the enduring power of stories; and to ensure the preservation of Chapel Hall, our historic home, as both an architectural treasure and a center of community activity.
The National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum honors antislavery abolitionists, their work to end slavery, and the legacy of that struggle, and strives to complete the second and ongoing abolition -​the moral conviction to end racism.