Over 12 days, the “We Love Chattanooga Auction” organized to aid local businesses hurt by the COVID-19 shutdowns raised $45,000 for businesses and individuals in Hamilton County.
All proceeds from items sold are being distributed to the participating businesses and individuals, while $825 was collected in direct donations for United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund and $1,150 was made from T-shirt sales in support of tornado relief.
The Chattanooga Tourism Co., alongside partners River City Company and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, created the auction to help businesses experiencing economic effects from COVID-19 and recent tornadoes. Marissa Bell, a spokeswoman for the Chattanooga Tourism Co., said nearly one third of area businesses helped by the auction are hospitality and tourism-related, which is one of the top industries most affected by the pandemic and decrease in travel.
About 150 businesses and around 50 artists, performers and musicians participated in the auction, which ended Tuesday.
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