ReStore Red Hook Makes First Round of Grants to Businesses Affected by Sandy: Forty-six businesses to receive grants in event today!
New York, NY – Forty-six small businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy are receiving grants of $4,000 each in ReStore Red Hook’s first grant distribution event. Check disbursements will take place today, Wednesday, December 12 from 3-6 pm in Red Hook at the Fort Defiance at 365 Van Brunt Street. Press are welcome to attend.
ReStore Red Hook is a coalition of small businesses who have banded together in the neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn to raise funds to rebuild in the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Restaurants, bars, bodegas and small shops that make up the backbone of this seaside town have called on the public to offer financial support for businesses struggling to get back on their feet. Because FEMA primarily serves homeowners, and few businesses in Red Hook have flood insurance, this support has been critical.
"WOW! This is insanely generous. I am not receiving any other funding and am deeply humbled and grateful for the assistance,” said Bianca Miraglia of UnCouth Vermouth upon learning of her business’ pending grant.
It is estimated that on average each business will need $50,000 for initial rebuilding. The devastation is so widespread that for businesses to even begin to think about opening their doors, an influx of cash is needed immediately. Members of ReStore Red Hook are working collaboratively to spread the word about this effort and fundraise for the coalition as a whole.
“[We] extend our heartfelt gratitude to the donors and decision makers at Restore Red Hook for allowing us this opportunity to continue building our American dream…We look forward to reopening to teach young people the print industry and finally having that open house that we have talked about,” said Oresa L Napper of R&R Enterprise - AIC Printing
Many of these small businesses have proven to be vital community partners, donating their goods and services to New York City nonprofits. ReStore Red Hook also has vital partners beyond the businesses involve: The Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corp (SBIDC) has been helping to coordinate volunteer efforts, lending organizational support and loaning space for organizing efforts. The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is an allied partner and is setting up a satellite office in Red Hook to help with FEMA and loan forms. ReStore has also worked with local politicians Speaker Christine Quinn, Nydia Velasquez, Sara Gonzales and their representatives Carlos Menchaca, Dan Wiley and Miguel Hernandez.
For more information on ReStore Red Hook, please contact the numbers above and follow our website. The coalition is set up to receive donations immediately, and appreciates any support and exposure for the effort.
ReStore Red Hook is a coalition of small businesses owners and community-based leaders formed in the wake of Hurricane Sandy’s devastating impact. The organization is currently raising urgent funds to help affected small businesses get back on their feet and reopen, as well as organizational development support, special events and community resources to stabilize as a neighborhood. ReStore Red Hook is fiscally sponsored by the Fund for the City of New York. ReStore Red Hook welcomes potential volunteers and supporters – learn more at http://www.restoreredhook.org
South Brooklyn Unites
Ongoing, at restaurants, shops and bars throughout Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, and Carroll Gardens.
Smith Street Fundraiser South Brooklynites: there’s never been a better time to support your local businesses. Starting today, restaurants, shops, and bars throughout Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, and Carroll Gardens will join together in a fundraiser to help neighboring spots that were devastated by Sandy. By Brooklyn has a handy list of the participants, including Henry Public, Stinky Bklyn, Oaxaca, Van Horn, and many more. All the contributions will be donated to Restore Red Hook, a fund for dozens of small businesses who sustained costly damages during the hurricane.
