Downtown Bend raises $2K to fight domestic violence

The Downtown Bend Business Association announced Monday the results of a charity fundraising effort held during the Christmas season. Over 40 businesses partnered to help raise about $2,000 to assist local organizations working to help those affected by domestic violence.

The effort titled “A Christmas of Change” was founded on the idea that a little bit of change in the form of coins collected at local businesses can help make a big change in our community.

Local nonprofit organization The Tree of Humanity organizes the program each year with downtown businesses who display a coin emblem in their window indicating their participation. Participating businesses have coin jars at their registers to encourage customers to contribute to the cause.

Businesses really rallied around the cause and got their customers involved with some businesses raising over $100. Top contributing businesses were Bond Street Market, Mockingbird Gallery, The Hub Cyclery, Clutch, Cascade Cottons, Cowgirl Cash, Ice Fine Jewelry, North Soles, and What Lola Wants.

“Downtown businesses really appreciate this program as one way that they can give back to their community. The Tree of Humanity has been a great partner in creating this program as well as decorating the Downtown Bend Christmas Tree in Drake Park. We are very fortunate to have such a caring organization in our city,” said Chuck Arnold, Executive Director of the Downtown Bend Business Association.

The DBBA is a private nonprofit organization representing approximately 350 businesses and 85 property owners working to keep Downtown Bend vibrant. The organization is responsible for downtown beautification, cleaning and maintenance, marketing, events, and keeping the business environment healthy. More information is available at DowntownBend.org.