The Tahoe City Downtown Association was created to support the community—now we need help
By Kylee Bigelow, Tahoe City Downtown Association- Executive Director
As the year comes to a close, I know most would agree that 2020 has tested all of us—as individuals and as a community. I would also like to think this year has demonstrated our grit and determination to pull together—even when we couldn’t be physically together—to support one another in ways big and small.
Since 2004 the Tahoe City Downtown Association’s (TCDA) mission has been to make Tahoe City America’s favorite mountain town and the best place to live, work, play and visit. To support the business community, we’ve created and produced what have become favorite annual events: Concerts at Commons Beach, the 4th of July Fireworks, the Tahoe City Food & Wine Classic, and the Tahoe City Oktoberfest. We’ve also supported beautification projects throughout the core of Tahoe City’s business district.
This year, COVID-19 didn’t cancel our dedication or efforts in support of Tahoe City businesses. It only deepened our commitment to advocate for our town. We quickly pivoted from our traditional business-driving strategies and helped gather and distribute critical PPE for free. We worked with local and county officials to effectively communicate new procedures and protocols to maintain the health and safety of our community, our businesses, and our visitors. We supported initiatives including the gift card and online shopping program and the #TakeOutTahoe campaign. And, we continued beautification efforts that included lighting and flower projects.
What the coronavirus did do was cancel all of our events and as a result, 60% of our annual operating revenue. This has been devastating for a small nonprofit whose mission is to support the efforts of local businesses.
As we look ahead and as Tahoe City businesses work to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, we recognize that we still have a big job to do—together—to build a more resilient community. That’s why we’re humbly asking for your help. We’ve started a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised over $8,800 of our $60,000 goal.
Your generous contribution to the TCDA will help to support Tahoe City businesses as they begin their comeback. It will ensure we can bring back favorite annual events that are often free to attend, but not free to produce.
Thank you in advance for your support. We certainly can’t do it without you! Learn more about the Tahoe City Downtown Association’s COVID-19 response and how to donate at https://visittahoecity.org/tcda-covid-19-response/.