Downtown Franklin Businesses Donate More Than $7,000 To Charities

The Registry ladies

A group of downtown Franklin merchants supported local charities through their sales one night last month, as part of a “Dog Days of Summer” promotion coordinated by the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA).

Twenty-two of the participating businesses collectively donated more than $7,000—15 percent of their sales between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. that night—to a non-profit organization of their choice.

Four businesses chose to rally around Williamson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization devoted to the best interests of abused and neglected children. City Farmhouse, McCreary’s Irish Pub, Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant and Puckett’s Boat House all pitched in to provide the group with one of Williamson County CASA’s biggest needs: community awareness.

“This was such a huge success for us. We felt so supported by our community,” said Williamson County CASA Director of Development and Public Relations Danielle McMorran. “I have no doubt these partnerships were instrumental in spreading awareness towards our mission to serve these children. We are grateful for the exposure, awareness and financial support that came from the night.”

For many of the downtown Franklin merchants, this was an opportunity to support a cause that is near and dear to both their customers’ and their own hearts. The Registry, a high-end shop for fine tableware, gifts and bridal registry on Main Street, was able to donate a sizable sum to Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center.

“We chose Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center because [The Registry’s co-founder] Barbara Harlin is waging a battle with colon cancer and being treated there,” said Carla Myers, co-owner of The Registry. “We love her and want to do everything possible to support her in her fight.”

According to DFA Director Nancy Williams, the promotion was designed to show support for community organizations through a collaborative effort among downtown merchants.

“Everybody was interested in becoming involved with this event,” Williams said. “It was a great reason to keep the doors open late, but really it was about DFA members working together to help promote awareness and support for our local not-for-profits.”

Merchants chose groups with missions ranging from animal welfare and domestic violence awareness to affordable housing and historic preservation.

The DFA’s merchant members are dedicated to the continued revitalization and promotion of Historic Downtown Franklin. To learn more about the DFA, visit www.downtownfranklintn.com.

Participating locations included:

• Avec Moi • Boutique MMM • Chick-fil-A South Franklin • The Cellar • City Farmhouse • For Every Child • The Franklin Theatre • Good Findings, Inc. • Heart & Hands • The Heirloom Shop • It’s Vintage, Baby • Johnnie Q • JONDIE Boutique • Kaleidoscope • Kelly Spalding Designs • LuLu’s Clothing Co. • McCreary’s Irish Pub • Olivia Olive Oil • Philanthropy • Puckett’s Boat House • Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant • ReDo Home & Design • The Registry • The Shoppes on Main • Sweet CeCe’s Franklin • Thomas Kinkade Gallery • Yarrow Acres

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