Downtown Milford Supports Local Organizations, Small Business Owners

The Village of Milford reminds the community about the meaning of the holiday season this year as downtown merchants and restaurants pledge an extended spirit of gratitude and philanthropy through multiple local initiatives.

Give Back Friday, Nov. 24

Nearly 30 downtown Milford businesses will donate a percentage of their proceeds on Nov. 24 to local charities and non-profits. Leading the charge in the holiday philanthropy is local mainstay and ladies clothing boutique, The Clothing Cove. After hosting an early bird sale on Black Friday for 14 years, the boutique’s ownership decided to make a positive change for its dedicated staff, shoppers and community last year. With the support of other local merchants and community supporters, Give Back Friday was born.

“The holiday season offers a unique opportunity for the community to come together, and Give Back Friday does just that,” said Genise Horsely, owner of the Clothing Cove. “We’re so glad the initiative was positively received by locals and visitors last year and are thankful for the opportunity to give back again this year.”

Small Business Selfie, Saturday, Nov. 25

Shopping local starts on Give Back Friday and continues Nov. 25 during Small Business Saturday. The Village of Milford encourages visitors to embrace local shops and businesses in supporting one-of-a-kind, “mom and pop shops” that bring unique, quality products to communities like Milford. The Small Business Saturday initiative has been adopted around the world to support small business owners who’ve made great efforts to establish local, meaningful businesses.

In celebration of the annual initiative, Milford’s Downtown Development Authority is encouraging the community to shop small with a special social media contest. Visitors that shop in downtown Milford have a chance to win a $500 shopping spree at downtown Milford shops and restaurants during the “Small Business Selfie” contest. To enter, participants may simply post a selfie of themselves shopping in downtown Milford between Nov. 25 and Nov. 30 on the Downtown Milford Facebook page.

“The Small Business Selfie contest is another great way to engage the community and encourages visitors to capture the magic of the holiday season while shopping small in Milford throughout the holiday season,” said Ann Barnette, executive director of the Milford Downtown Development Authority.

Dinner’s On Us                                                    

The holiday giving continues with Dinner’s On Us, fueled by the donations from local merchants and neighbors. Guests that enjoy a meal at any of Milford’s popular eateries have a chance to receive a complimentary meal. Each Thursday from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21, a neighborly group of downtown business owners and community members will drop into Main Street restaurants from 5:30-9 p.m. to pick up the tabs for dozens of patrons throughout the season. The program serves to spread holiday cheer and thank visitors for supporting downtown Milford’s shopping and dining district. 

For more information about downtown Milford’s holiday events and philanthropic efforts, visit www.meetmeinmilford.com.

About the Milford Downtown Development Authority

Established by ordinance in 1982, the Milford Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a commercial district revitalization organization dedicated to building an attractive environment in which people can shop, live and play. To learn more about downtown Milford, visit www.meetmeinmilford.com. 

Follow Milford news and information: Twitter | Facebook

*Logo courtesy of Milford Downtown Development Authority (DDA)