By Michael Eng | Managing Editor
Armed with her “buy local” battle cry, Plant City entrepreneur Amanda Pope hopes to bolster local business owners with a new event this weekend.
Called “Friends Don’t Let Friends Shop Chain Stores,” the event will feature about 17 local businesses. It will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10, at The Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St.
In addition to giving entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their goods or services, the event will serve as a fundraiser for Madison’s Mission, a fundraiser for families in need launched by 6-year-old Madison Brewer, and a food drive for the food pantry at Pope’s church, First Free Will Baptist Church, in Seffner.
The idea sprouted from a single email Pope sent to friends after Knotts Hardware closed.
“I envision an evening that ladies can get together and set up a place to show off their wares and services to others in our community,” she wrote. “As many of you know, Plant City has struggled through the current economy, and the grassroots of our community has been hit pretty hard. You know times are tough when a 70-year-old family owned business such as Knotts Hardware closes its doors, because it can no longer compete with the likes of Lowe’s and Walmart.”
That email inspired several businesses, including Ego Girl Outfitters, Parkesdale Farm Market, Sister’s & Company and TaylorMade Photography, to sign on as participants.
“It just snowballed,” Pope said.
Each participating business has donated a raffle item, and money raised through the raffle will benefit both charities. Host business The Corner Store will offer wine and food.
“I wanted to do this for (the businesses) but also to charitable causes,” Pope said. “It is important to do good.”
Pope launched her own business, Restored Soul Studios, from her Plant City home. The business specializes in restoring used furniture.
If successful, Pope said she hopes to make the event a quarterly venture.
Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
‘Friends Don’t Let Friends Shop Chain Stores’
WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10
WHERE: The Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St.
INFORMATION: Amanda Pope, restoredsoulstudios@gmail.com or the corner store, (813) 754-0900.