The 2022 Friends of Kendall Whittier program is still open – but only for a few more weeks! Those interested are encouraged to sign up soon for the full benefit for themselves as well as for Kendall Whittier as a whole.
The Friends Program is an annual fundraising campaign that opens at the beginning of each year. The money raised in the Friends Campaign allows KWMS to host free public events, recruit new businesses to the district, provide technical – and sometimes financial — support the businesses and continue ongoing beautification efforts.
“The Friends program generally wraps up in May as events begin and some of the more fun perks of being a Friend – like the VIP access at events – start,” explained Jessica Jackson Seay, executive director of Kendall Whittier Main Street. “To get the most out of being a Friend of Kendall Whittier Main Street, we encourage individuals and businesses to join as soon as possible.”
Kendall Whittier Main Street is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. Most levels include a monthly payment option for those who prefer that for budgeting purposes.
There are three individual levels of the Friends Program, starting at $50 for Young Professional (under 30) or Young-at-Heart (60+), and up to $250 for “BFFs”. The most popular level is $100 or $10/month.
Friends receive exclusive VIP access to events, listing on the KWMS website and even some KWMS swag. Friends who have signed up prior to the end of May will enjoy an exclusive Friends section, complete with cold beverages, at the upcoming Amps on Admiral event on June 4.
“It may seem like a small donation won’t make much of a difference, but in reality, all those smaller donations add up to providing additional services for businesses and the public,” Jackson Seay said. “A $100 Friends membership could pay for chalk for the kids zone at every Kendall Whittier event this year or could pay for plants to fill three huge planters in the area. It’s little projects like that are only possible thanks to donations through the Friends program.”
For businesses, who want to be a Friend, the most popular level is $200 or $20/month, although
there is a 50 percent discount for “First-Year Businesses” for those who have never been a Friend or who are a business in their first year. There’s also a $500 “Champion” and $1,000 “Superstar” level.
All businesses will receive a 2022 Friends window cling, and each level has additional perks, allowing businesses to find the right fit for their needs.
Individuals or businesses can pay online or set up a monthly payment plan through PayPal at visitKendallWhittier.com/friends. Checks and cash are also accepted in person or mailed to the Main Street office at 2205 E. Admiral Blvd.
“Our donors mean so much to us,” Jackson Seay said. “It’s touching to see how many Tulsans really support the revitalization of the area and the work we do for small businesses.”
Kendall Whittier Main Street is a nonprofit organization that inspires the ongoing revitalization and growth of a historic and cultural neighborhood in Tulsa, striving to transform it back to a thriving, walkable commercial district. KWMS is a 2020 Great American Main Street Award winner and an Oklahoma Certified Cultural District. For more information or to get involved, please call or text 918-633-1934 or email info@visitkendallwhittier.com.
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