‘Topeka Strong' T-shirts contribute nearly 10K to HOST Relief Program
HOST (Helping Others Support Topeka) Relief Program received nearly $10,000 in funding through the sale of 834 “Topeka Strong” t-shirts. The Greater Topeka Partnership, GO Topeka and Advisors Excel made the announcement today.
“Our team is thrilled that the 'Topeka Strong' shirt raised $9,755.94 for the HOST Relief Program,” said Marcus Rangel, Advisors Excel executive creative director. “To see our community come together and support such a good cause shows that so many people are thinking of how they can make an impact on others during this time. To keep the momentum going and raise even more money, we’re launching an official online store, www.topekastrongapparel.com.”
To date, $655,000 in private HOST Relief donations have been used to purchase gift cards from local businesses; more than 1,300 furloughed workers in Shawnee County have received a total of $388,000. The HOST Relief Program was developed in March to provide economic stimulus for local businesses and employees affected by COVID-19.
The HOST Relief Program began with an idea from area businessmen Lance Sparks and Scott Hunsicker. “Topeka is fortunate to have an organization like Advisors Excel,” said Sparks. “Their generosity is much appreciated and will be put to use helping local businesses.”
“Over the past six weeks, many people have asked how they can partner with the HOST Program. The ‘Topeka Strong’ t-shirt gives every Topekan an incredible way to support the mission of the HOST Relief Program and help the businesses and the workers impacted by COVID-19,” Hunsicker said. “I am grateful to Advisor’s Excel for their contribution.”
“This effort is inspiring and is a testament to the altruistic spirit of this community,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “Advisors Excel has stepped up the game in terms of creative ways to support small business and we look forward to collaborating with them and other community leaders to support Topeka’s future recovery.”
To purchase a “Topeka Strong” t-shirt, visit www.topekastrongapparel.com.
