April 20, 2020 – In just 48 hours, the Raise Up Downtown gift card stimulus program launched by the Midland Downtown Development Authority has raised $87,500 in monetary support for downtown business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patrons purchased 2,500 $25 gift cards to participating downtown restaurants, retailers, and professional service providers and received an additional $10 bonus from the DDA, giving shoppers $35 to spend at their favorite downtown haunts. In total, the DDA contributed $25,000 to the program and its participating businesses.
“To sell out of these gift cards in just two days is an incredible testament to the generosity of the Midland community and its love of our downtown,” said Community Affairs Director Selina Tisdale. “The funds raised through this program will give our participating businesses some additional support during uncertain economic conditions and will also give supporters an extra incentive to patronize our downtown district in the future.”
Supporters who purchased gift cards during the program are reminded not to redeem their cards until June 1, 2020 to allow participating businesses time to reopen and return to normal operations once Executive Order 2020-42 (“Stay Home, Stay Safe”) is lifted. The cards may be used from June 1, 2020 through June 1, 2021.
For more information on the Raise Up Downtown gift card stimulus program, visit www.downtownmidland.com/raise-up.
