Ridgefield Restaurant Charity Hopes To Raise $65K This Week

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Volunteers who have been raising money for Ridgefield's restaurant community all month long have declared one final sprint in the hopes of topping the war chest off at $100,000.

The Friends of Ridgefield began their campaign on Feb. 1, and since then have raised over $35,000 through GoFundMe donations at the non-profit organization’s website and other contributions.

On Tuesday, the group launched "The 7-Day $100k Challenge" campaign. Its goal is to bring the total amount of donations to $100,000 before March 1.

"We want to reach this goal so we have a comfortable amount of seed money to immediately fuel several initiatives including grants to off-set COVID-19 expenses and support revitalization strategies/efforts," said co-organizer Frank Alvarez.

So far, the group has solicited feedback from over 50 restaurants in town in an effort to assess their needs.

"We've been talking with owners and to determine which restaurants are in greatest need of help and which ones are doing okay," said team member Marshall O'Deen. "Some restaurants are in 'triage' mode, just trying to keep their doors open in hopes they can get back on their feet in the spring."

The Friends of Ridgefield Restaurant & Community Support Fund arose from discussions that Board of Selectmen member Bob Hebert had with several concerned Ridgefielders. Once sufficient funds are raised, the organization said it will focus on providing direct economic stimulus to restaurants, supporting an enhanced marketing campaign to increase demand for restaurant services, and using funds to purchase restaurant services to serve and thank community members.

Residents may make donations online at the organization’s website or by a check made out to Friends of Ridgefield - Restaurant & Community Support Fund mailed to Friends of Ridgefield Restaurant Fund, Attn: Bob Hebert, 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.

The group is charting its progress on Facebook.

"We are thrilled that Ridgefield residents are giving what they are able to help our restaurants stay afloat during this difficult time. We appreciate each and every contribution," Hebert said.