Concerned Ridgefield residents have obtained approval to use the town’s existing “Friends of Ridgefield” 501(c)(3) fund to receive and direct much-needed private stimulus to Ridgefield’s restaurants and potentially other needy businesses.
Like many around the country, Ridgefield’s restaurants are suffering under relentless COVID-19 pressures. Many are near a breaking point. In December, Bloomberg.com estimated over 110,000 restaurants had closed nationwide, claiming the industry was in a “free fall.” As of November, over 600 restaurants had closed in Connecticut. Ridgefield also has seen several close, with others in immediate jeopardy.
Ridgefield’s culture and economy are intrinsically linked to its restaurants. Many eateries are owned by local families and provide jobs to Ridgefielders and surrounding area residents. These establishments also yield a steady and healthy contribution to the town’s tax base, benefitting all town residents. In recent years, Ridgefield’s wide variety of restaurants has garnered Ridgefield a reputation as a “restaurant town,” attracting out-of-town diners, supporting in-town entertainment venues, and making Ridgefield attractive to potential new home buyers.
The Friends of Ridgefield Restaurant & Community Support Fund formed organically, through discussions that Board of Selectmen, Bob Hebert, had with several concerned Ridgefielders. After a series of Zooms calls to brainstorm and organize, Bob gained approval from the Board of Selectmen to use the town’s existing 501(c)(3) fund to receive donations and formed a team of operational committees. The next step is to launch a town-wide campaign to raise funds to support the restaurants as they try to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is only so much that our state and federal governments can do. More and more restaurant and business owners share with me the increasing challenges of retaining their employees and keeping their doors open as we approach almost a year of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bob. “It is very challenging for them and their employees. Losing our restaurants would also have major consequences for the town as a whole. As private citizens, we must do what we can to help.”
Co-organizer Frank Alvarez explained, “We are blessed and privileged to live in this beautiful town and enjoy such amazing restaurants. These restaurants not only serve us, but they’re also a big part of what connects us. It’s time to do something to help. And, with so much division all around us, it would be great to begin a new year by coming together and helping our friends and neighbors.” Alvarez added, “The first order of business is to raise funds. We hope everyone who is in a position to help does so, no matter the amount.”
As soon as sufficient funds are raised, the organization will focus on three primary activities: 1) providing direct economic stimulus to restaurants; 2) supporting an enhanced marketing campaign to increase demand for restaurant services; 3) using funds to purchase restaurant services to serve and thank community members. Funding decisions will be made by a group of Ridgefield residents who are NOT eligible to receive grants or relief. They will review potential funding recipients based on agreed-upon criteria and oversee the distribution of the Restaurant Fund’s proceeds. “We will be responsible and nimble. Time is important here,” added Frank.
Local food and restaurant industry members, Marshall O’Deen and Phil DelGuidice are spearheading the outreach to Ridgefield restaurants. “We need to find out which restaurants are in the greatest need and determine the best ways to assist them,” says Phil. “We’ll try to contact all of the town’s restaurants, but owners can also contact us by email at DineRidgefield@gmail.com.”
Outreach Chair, Debra Franceschini-Gatje, will be coordinating meals for those in need. Her many volunteer roles, including Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield and the Commission on Aging, suit her to make these connections. Dr. Jeff Gorelick will spearhead efforts to engage local organizations and houses of worship to partner with the group’s effort.
“Our local churches and synagogue will likely be a great resource for helping hands and also aid us in identifying meal recipients,” said Jeff. The Friends of Ridgefield - Restaurant & Community Support Fund campaign will launch this week with a community call to all residents. All donations, large and small, are welcome and appreciated.
Donors will be able to make tax-deductible donations (in any amount) online via the website at dineridgefield.com. In addition, donors can also send checks (made out to Friends of Ridgefield -Restaurant & Community Support Fund) to: Friends of Ridgefield Restaurant Fund, Attn: Bob Hebert, 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877. “Time is of the essence to help Ridgefield’s restaurants. The challenges our restaurants face provide Ridgefield residents, and others in our neighboring communities, an opportunity to serve and return Ridgefield to something better than we were before COVID-19,’ said Bob Hebert.
Residents can follow the Facebook page, “Friends of Ridgefield Restaurants,” to stay connected and up-to-date.