Better, Brighter Georgetown!

On September 25^th, 2013 Georgetown was tested.  The tests continue, but I am happy to report that, so far, we are passing with flying colors!  As we all now know, we had a terrible fire that day destroyed eight historic buildings along Front Street.  Since the day of the fire, I have watched this community come together to provide for the victims and to begin the healing and recovery process with a resilient determination.  The spirit of cooperation and unity has never been so evident.

As tragic as the events were, there is a new normal in the City of Georgetown.  In just four weeks, at least five businesses that were closed by the fire have relocated and are working feverishly to reopen.  Colonial Florists, Boardwalk Boutique, Doodlebugs, and 700 Modern Grill & Bar (formerly Zest) have all relocated to the 900 block of Front Street.  Harborwalk Books is relocating to the 100 block of Screven, just off of Front Street.  700 Modern Grill and Bar was even open for the Wooden Boat Show.  Now that is resilient! In fact, Jon and Peter from Zest opted to change the name of the new place for two reasons.  First, the new name serves as a tribute to the 700 block that was damaged in the fire, and second, because they have every intention of reopening Zest in its original location after everything has been built back.  I also found out on Friday that John Walters has a new place on the 1000 block of Front Street. While these events are phenomenal, it doesn’t stop there.

Earlier this week, our distribution committee met again to distribute another $60,000 to the victims of the fire.  To date, we have raised over $118,000 that will go directly back to the residents, business owners, and employees that were displaced in the fire.  There are so many efforts underway, we literally can’t keep track.  Just to give you an idea, the events range from the Beta Club at Georgetown Middle raised over $1,100 for the effort, while the homeowners in Debordieu donated over $14,000, and Charlie Campbell, owner of Dead Dog Saloon which burned down less than two years ago, is organizing a major effort among the Murrells Inlet Restaurant community to support the cause.  In addition, we have had countless local businesses contribute to the fund as well as individual donations from all over the country. There is no single person that knows everything going on.  We are trying to keep up with as much as possible, but the outpouring has been overwhelming. 

While there has been tremendous coverage focused on the eight buildings, nine businesses and 13 residents that were directly impacted, the entire community has been affected, including the remaining businesses along Front Street.  The uncertainty of the days ahead could lead to anxiety and fear, especially when one has invested their entire life into starting, building and maintaining a business.  The coverage of the fire showed the devastation, and it looked bleak and discouraging.  Our businesses and citizenry have done a remarkable job fighting off the negativity and are bouncing back.  Actually, to say they are bouncing back isn’t very accurate.  What I have witnessed is a better brighter spirit. 

We met with the remaining businesses in the 700 block on October 7^th, and then met again with a much broader group on the 15^th to brainstorm ideas to highlight Front Street and the Historic District during the upcoming holiday season.   As we all know, the holiday shopping season can make or break many small businesses especially those along Front Street.  The group decided on a number of special events between November 2^nd and the end of the year to draw folks to Front Street.  This effort was a remarkable collaboration, and the impact will be amazing. 

Lastly, the timing of the fire could not have been worse.  Two of our largest events, the Bridge to Bridge Run and The Wooden Boat Show were both in October and were centered on Front Street.  It would have been very easy for the organizers to throw their hands up and cancel, but they didn’t even consider it.  I talked to Susan Sanders, one of the key organizers for the Wooden Boat Show, the day of the fire and she announced the “Show would go on, and it will bigger than ever”.  And sure enough, she was right.  The Bridge to Bridge Run set a new record by more than 100 runners, and the Wooden Boat Show had more exhibitors and more attendees than ever.  We are still waiting on official numbers, but both events were record breakers!

It’s easier to give up when things don’t go our way.  It’s easier to give in to the fear and anxiety of the unknown which leads to negativity than to battle and fight for what could be.  I don’t want easy, I want great.  Greatness requires hard work, collaboration, patience, perseverance and most of all, resiliency.  It’s safe to say, Georgetown has what it takes, and I couldn’t be more proud!

Fundraising efforts continue in the community and a list can be found here:  Fire Relief Fundraising Events  Donations to the Front Street Fire Relief Fund can be made by visiting any branch of First Citizens Bank.  You can also mail donations to:

FRONT STREET FIRE RELIEF FUND

C/O First Citizens Bank

726 Front Street

Georgetown, SC 29440

or visit www.GeorgetownFireRelief.com for online donations.