Honoring healthcare AND helping Asheville businesses…the MAHEC Heroes Project is a project to warm our hearts. Earlier this month, Mountain Area Health Education wanted to honor their healthcare heroes who have been working tirelessly to support patients, employees and Western North Carolina during this unprecedented health crisis.
To honor their commitment, over 600 MAHEC employees were given a $200 gift card that can be redeemed at restaurants, markets, retail shops, and personal service providers that have been impacted by the economic shutdown associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
MAHEC partnered with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce to identify a broad range of local businesses with an emphasis on those owned by women and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color with the goal of making the greatest impact on our community during this challenging time.
The Asheville Chamber provided project management, creating a process for employees to select the gift card of their choice, coordinating with the chosen businesses and organizing gift cards for MAHEC’s heroes.
In total, the MAHEC Heroes Project infused $120,600 into the local economy, supporting a number of businesses. We heard from some of small businesses who were selected that the funds were much-needed boost for their business allowing them to pay bills and stay in business during these touch times, and they were thrilled to be part of a project honoring healthcare heroes.
Here’s what a few of those businesses had to say:
“We are so proud and thankful to have you as heroes in our community. All our gratitude,” ~ Everyday Gourmet
“Thank you for all your support for the community! You are amazing!” ~Earth Fare
“For all the heroes, we need you and your crew through these hard times. Thank you for including Fusion in your heroes project!” ~Fusion Day Spa