To the Editor:
The COVID19 public health crisis has been incredibly challenging for residents of our community. In addition to the risk of COVID19 infection, we have many neighbors, friends and community members who are suffering economic and financial stress.
In response to this hurt, several months ago, the leaders of the Bethlehem Democratic Committee (BDC) wanted to take visible and tangible action to help our community. We decided to launch a campaign called “Invest in Bethlehem”, which raised funds for two worthy organizations: the Bethlehem Community Fund (BCF) and a special fund created within the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce to help struggling local businesses with expenses during COVID19.
Our “Invest” campaign, through the use of our email list, social media and local advertising, asked community members who were able to, to donate to our “Invest” campaign. And, the BDC incentivized the donation campaign by initially committing $4000 to be divided between the Chamber’s fund for needy businesses and the BCF.
We are concluding our “Invest” campaign and thrilled to report that in addition to the $4000 that the BDC initially contributed, the campaign raised an additional $19,678. Those dollars were generated through donations, given directly to BCF and the Chamber, and online donations raised through the BDC’s fundraising arm. The grand total of $23,678 will support the important work of the Chamber and the Community Fund.
The BDC was thrilled to use our reach and network to raise funds for our community of Bethlehem. We look forward to our continued support of community members and businesses throughout Bethlehem. Thank you to so many of you who supported this campaign through donations – we appreciate you – and so does Bethlehem.
Bruce Bushart
Treasurer, Bethlehem Democratic Committee
