MANAYUNK

From small acts of kindness to huge charitable efforts, Manayunk small business owners are doing their part to help the community during these hard times. While our neighbors, essential workers, and non-profits struggle to have a sense of normalcy, here are some top ways that Manayunk is imparting positivity on a daily basis.

1. A Smile - To Go!

Manayunk restaurant leaders have worked together to provide free meals for essential workers. Brendan McGrew, owner of Bourbon Blue, began this initiative by making and delivering 50 of his signature jambalaya meals to Thomas Jefferson Hospital via the Hospital Heroes Food Drive. The team has now expanded to include The Goat's Beard, Lucky's Last Chance, Manayunk Tavern, and Winnie's Manayunk.

The Good Energy Donut Project by Monica Bookbinder, owner of Raw Monje, is also providing healthy and energizing snacks to local health care workers at cost. $5 provides one snack (a 3-pack of our Chocolate Lover Energy Donut Holes) for a healthcare worker. There is a Facebook Fundraiser or they can be purchased through the online shop. Verilife Marijuana Dispensaries also had a very successful 420 charity fundraising event. The in-store portion of the fundraiser generated enough funds to buy lunch for the entire staff at Roxborough Memorial Hospital!

2. A Bit of Hospitality

Many of Manayunk's restaurants provided discounts and added offerings for those who keep America running during this hard time. Some of the highlights include;

Manayunk Brewing Company is offering free 4-packs or growler fills to all of our 21+ first responders and essential workers Fridays and Saturdays.

Greg's Kitchen also participated by offering 20% off to Nurses for the month of May!

And on April 16th, Craft Manayunk supplied 250 free meals to hospitality workers affected by COVID-19.

4. Paying It Forward

Tim Spinner, owner of Taqueria Feliz, and his restaurant manager, Max (pictured), wanted to make sure their employees were taken care of properly. The Mexican restaurant has been providing their staff 20% of the restaurant's gross sales to help them during this time.

5. Getting Physical

Manayunk fitness studio owners have gone above and beyond to make sure you can stay fit and healthy while they stay home - offering free or donation-based classes. Eric, owner of Rowzone Manayunk (pictured), "kicks" it up a notch by using his May 3rd class to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.

Future charity workouts:

The Wall Cycling: Saturday, May 16 at 10am. 100% of all proceeds will be donated to a local Manayunk family affected by COVID-19.

Yoga on Main: 10% of the proceeds from classes Friday, May 8th through Sunday, May 10th will be donated to Susan G. Komen and the fight against breast cancer.

6. Masked Heroes

Mary Dougherty, owner of Nicole Miller - Philadelphia, is selling fashionable masks while giving back to charity. Nicole Miller masks are available for pre-order while supplies last! They are $15.00 each, come in an assortment of Nicole Miller prints, and include a pouch for a filter. 20% of all sales will be donated among 3 charities: Fuel the Fight, Susan G Komen, and Homefront.

7. Cookies for a Cause

If you ever needed more of a reason to eat cookies, Insomnia Cookies is donating a $1 from every heart cookie cake sold to the American Red Cross.

8. Sharing your Stories

Susan Beard, of Susan Beard Design Co., wants to highlight stories of tenacity, resilience, and hope. Her "Share Your Hero" contest asks community members to nominate an essential worker. The winner receives a free (no contact) portrait session and was able tell their story all while looking fabulous.

9. Giving Giveaway

Nurses Week starts May 6th and runs through May 12, so to thank our local nurses, we wanted to give one lucky winner some Manayunk goodies with an Instagram giveaway!

The giveaway includes:
⭐️ $50 gift certificate and Nicole Miller print mask from @nicolemiller_philadelphia
⭐️ Nurses pencil pack from @latitudesandlongitudes
⭐️ Golden Sun Drink Blend (turmeric latte) from @rawmonje
⭐️ $20 gift certificate to @petfriendlydogbakery
⭐️ $100 towards a custom live-edge wood job or $50 towards a piece of furniture or decor from @urbanburbfurniture
⭐️ $25 gift card to @boostinbowls
⭐️ $25 gift card to @manayunkbrewingco