In any crisis, there are heroes, innovators, and general do-gooders. During this difficult time, we wanted to highlight and recognize many of the businesses and organizations who are doing what they can to assist and support our community. If you see a member company doing good, let us know by e-mailing a good deed sighting to Mark Turner. |
Second Edition of the #RestaurantRescueRally is Underway

Member businesses continue to step up in the face of adversity and reach out to help other businesses throughout our community. Kudos to St. John & Myers Antique and Custom Jewelry, which wanted to do something to help local restaurants during this difficult time. So, the SJM team started the Restaurant Rescue Rally, and committed to buying lunch for its employees from local restaurants each week for the next 5 weeks. Now, they are challenging other area businesses to do the same.
“Our local restaurants need our help now more than ever,” said SJM co-founder Louis Scholz. SJM has already received commitments from several other businesses who have joined the effort. View the promotional flyer HERE. Check out this VIDEO on Facebook to hear directly from Louis Scholz.
HOW TO JOIN THE RALLY:
1. E-mail to info@stjohnandmyers.com to be added to the list of participating businesses.
2. Order lunch from a local restaurant for your employees once a week for 5 weeks.
3. Post a photo or video of your team eating lunch to social media using #RestaurantRescueRally and don't forget to tag the local restaurant.
4. Challenge other businesses to take part.
“Our local restaurants need our help now more than ever,” said SJM co-founder Louis Scholz. SJM has already received commitments from several other businesses who have joined the effort. View the promotional flyer HERE. Check out this VIDEO on Facebook to hear directly from Louis Scholz.
HOW TO JOIN THE RALLY:
1. E-mail to info@stjohnandmyers.com to be added to the list of participating businesses.
2. Order lunch from a local restaurant for your employees once a week for 5 weeks.
3. Post a photo or video of your team eating lunch to social media using #RestaurantRescueRally and don't forget to tag the local restaurant.
4. Challenge other businesses to take part.
Make-A-Wish Continues to Grant Wishes During the Pandemic
Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana grants hundreds of life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses every year. These wishes help bring hope, strength, and joy to children in their darkest days. With COVID-19, new health worries are present, bringing added isolation and vulnerability for the children and families we serve. That’s why wishes are more important than ever. While many wishes remain paused due to the global pandemic, Make-A-Wish is still granting wishes right now! From how we grant wishes to how we train our volunteers, we’ve reimagined the wish process so no child waits even one unnecessary day to experience the transformational power of a wish. From virtual shopping sprees and celebrity meetings to socially-distanced celebrations, we continue to innovate rapidly to grant wishes in new ways now – and into the future. Make-A-Wish is more than wish-granting; it’s a global movement of transforming lives through hope. Now more than ever, the world needs the hope of a wish. If you’d like to get virtually trained to be a wish-granting volunteer or learn more about the Make-A-Wish mission, visit www.wish.org/oki. |
St. John & Myers Antique & Custom Jewelry Highlights Local Restaurants During Restaurant Rescue Rally Effort
St. John & Myers Diamonds and Fine Jewelry has survived this year in spite of many of the challenges faced by small and locally-owned businesses throughout. Recently, the business wanted to do something to help other small locally-owned businesses do the same - specifically, the local restaurants that seem to be taking the brunt of 2020s blows.
As they began to collect themselves and recover from the craziness of this year, SJM noticed that the businesses that seemed to be struggling the most with the closures and limitations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic were the beloved local restaurants. In order to help combat this, they created the Restaurant Rescue Rally in order to help support those local restaurants. The program simply asked the owners of small businesses to buy in lunch for their entire staff from a local restaurant once a week. The goal of the program is to create solidarity and support between the small local businesses that are trying to stay afloat in spite of the hardships of the year.
“Our local restaurants need our help now more than ever,” SJM co-founder Louis Scholz said in one of the Restaurant Rescue Rally’s videos. SJM has been publishing one video a week sharing the idea behind the project and shouting out the locally-owned restaurant they chose to partner with for that week. Each video encourages other small businesses to do the same and join forces in supporting our local restaurants!
Find out more about St. John & Myers on-line at www.stjohnandmyers.com.
St. John & Myers Diamonds and Fine Jewelry has survived this year in spite of many of the challenges faced by small and locally-owned businesses throughout. Recently, the business wanted to do something to help other small locally-owned businesses do the same - specifically, the local restaurants that seem to be taking the brunt of 2020s blows.
As they began to collect themselves and recover from the craziness of this year, SJM noticed that the businesses that seemed to be struggling the most with the closures and limitations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic were the beloved local restaurants. In order to help combat this, they created the Restaurant Rescue Rally in order to help support those local restaurants. The program simply asked the owners of small businesses to buy in lunch for their entire staff from a local restaurant once a week. The goal of the program is to create solidarity and support between the small local businesses that are trying to stay afloat in spite of the hardships of the year.
“Our local restaurants need our help now more than ever,” SJM co-founder Louis Scholz said in one of the Restaurant Rescue Rally’s videos. SJM has been publishing one video a week sharing the idea behind the project and shouting out the locally-owned restaurant they chose to partner with for that week. Each video encourages other small businesses to do the same and join forces in supporting our local restaurants!
Find out more about St. John & Myers on-line at www.stjohnandmyers.com.
DeNova Nurse Assistant Starts Movement to Help Homeless Patients
At DeNova, everything we do is guided by our commitment to our patients to serve and support them for long-term mental health. This is even more critical now. As a patient at DeNova, you’re not only a member of a physical health and wellness facility, you are part of an organization dedicated to mental health as well. DeNova responds to the needs of its most fragile patients by finding ways to use our network to offer solutions. Designated an essential business, DeNova has remained open for our patients and continues to serve with safe and vigilant COVID-19 protocols. We have activated our network and are providing basic food and essential clothing options for some of our homeless patients and other clients in need.
Louis Hairston, owner and clinical director of DeNova (1301 Winchester Road, Suite 147), wanted to recognize Cindy Haggan, one of his nurse assistants, who selflessly began collecting bags of unwanted clothes at her own expense from family and friends to bring to the office and hand out to patients who are in need. She also began making PB&Js for those who, in some cases, had not eaten in over 24 hours!! It is a selfless act of kindness helping some of these folks achieve basic human needs. Hairston said, "There is no profit in it for anyone, and now we have jars of peanut butter and bags of clothes donated to our clinic for those patients stacked high in our office. I will likely organize a charitable organization around this in the future as it has really gotten legs."
This onsite resource has been affectionately named “Cindy’s Closet” to honor DeNova's nursing assistant who has made this a reality. If you would like to be a part of the solution, DeNova is currently accepting donations for men’s and women’s spring and summer clothes (pants, shorts, jeans, shirts, socks, etc.). Also appreciated are lunch bags, peanut butter, jelly, snack crackers, bottled water, and chips. Your donation will impact the lives of our neighbors needing the most support during this difficult time.
To learn more about this effort or make a donation, contact DeNova at (859) 309-2814.
At DeNova, everything we do is guided by our commitment to our patients to serve and support them for long-term mental health. This is even more critical now. As a patient at DeNova, you’re not only a member of a physical health and wellness facility, you are part of an organization dedicated to mental health as well. DeNova responds to the needs of its most fragile patients by finding ways to use our network to offer solutions. Designated an essential business, DeNova has remained open for our patients and continues to serve with safe and vigilant COVID-19 protocols. We have activated our network and are providing basic food and essential clothing options for some of our homeless patients and other clients in need.
Louis Hairston, owner and clinical director of DeNova (1301 Winchester Road, Suite 147), wanted to recognize Cindy Haggan, one of his nurse assistants, who selflessly began collecting bags of unwanted clothes at her own expense from family and friends to bring to the office and hand out to patients who are in need. She also began making PB&Js for those who, in some cases, had not eaten in over 24 hours!! It is a selfless act of kindness helping some of these folks achieve basic human needs. Hairston said, "There is no profit in it for anyone, and now we have jars of peanut butter and bags of clothes donated to our clinic for those patients stacked high in our office. I will likely organize a charitable organization around this in the future as it has really gotten legs."
This onsite resource has been affectionately named “Cindy’s Closet” to honor DeNova's nursing assistant who has made this a reality. If you would like to be a part of the solution, DeNova is currently accepting donations for men’s and women’s spring and summer clothes (pants, shorts, jeans, shirts, socks, etc.). Also appreciated are lunch bags, peanut butter, jelly, snack crackers, bottled water, and chips. Your donation will impact the lives of our neighbors needing the most support during this difficult time.
To learn more about this effort or make a donation, contact DeNova at (859) 309-2814.
UK Federal Union Announces #TakeCare Campaign
The University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union (UKFCU) announces its new #TakeCare campaign. The #TakeCare campaign hopes to inspire members of the community to share positivity and participate in acts of kindness. Each week until the end of the year, UKFCU employees will be going to different non-profits in the community and either dropping off needed supplies or volunteering. UKFCU employees are also planning on hosting a company food drive to help support these organizations. Members of the community are encouraged to participate by posting their own positive words or showing their acts of kindness on social media using the hashtag #TakeCare. For a limited time only, UKFCU is offering face masks and buttons with encouraging messages at all six of their branch locations to help spread the message of #TakeCare. Find out more on-line HERE.
The University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union (UKFCU) announces its new #TakeCare campaign. The #TakeCare campaign hopes to inspire members of the community to share positivity and participate in acts of kindness. Each week until the end of the year, UKFCU employees will be going to different non-profits in the community and either dropping off needed supplies or volunteering. UKFCU employees are also planning on hosting a company food drive to help support these organizations. Members of the community are encouraged to participate by posting their own positive words or showing their acts of kindness on social media using the hashtag #TakeCare. For a limited time only, UKFCU is offering face masks and buttons with encouraging messages at all six of their branch locations to help spread the message of #TakeCare. Find out more on-line HERE.
Kinetic by Windstream, Downtown Lexington Partnership Join Forces for #LocallyLexington Initiative and Reopening & Recovery Grant
Kinetic by Windstream and the Downtown Lexington Partnership (DLP) announce the launch of #LocallyLexington, a community-service partnership supporting local businesses, nonprofits and entertainment destinations. As part of this initiative, there was an unveiling of a new downtown mural located at 151 MLK Blvd and previously announced, the partners launched a COVID-19 Reopening & Recovery Grant with in-kind marketing support from the DLP and the Downtown Lexington Management District and technology support from Kinetic by Windstream.
By visiting LocallyLexington.com, you’ll see a hub where organizations and individuals can sign up to join the initiative and pledge support as a #LocallyLexington partner. By pledging your support, you will add your name to the list of local organizations, businesses and people who are committed to supporting local businesses, nonprofits and entertainment destinations in Lexington. Additionally, the landing page will provide grant resources for downtown businesses to reopen and stay open, as well as share stories of the organizations and businesses that make Lexington a great place to live.
With the COVID-19 Reopening & Recovery Grant, businesses can be reimbursed for up to 75% of eligible project costs up to a maximum grant of $3,000, with required documentation, that help the business reopen including:
Kinetic by Windstream and the Downtown Lexington Partnership (DLP) announce the launch of #LocallyLexington, a community-service partnership supporting local businesses, nonprofits and entertainment destinations. As part of this initiative, there was an unveiling of a new downtown mural located at 151 MLK Blvd and previously announced, the partners launched a COVID-19 Reopening & Recovery Grant with in-kind marketing support from the DLP and the Downtown Lexington Management District and technology support from Kinetic by Windstream.
By visiting LocallyLexington.com, you’ll see a hub where organizations and individuals can sign up to join the initiative and pledge support as a #LocallyLexington partner. By pledging your support, you will add your name to the list of local organizations, businesses and people who are committed to supporting local businesses, nonprofits and entertainment destinations in Lexington. Additionally, the landing page will provide grant resources for downtown businesses to reopen and stay open, as well as share stories of the organizations and businesses that make Lexington a great place to live.
With the COVID-19 Reopening & Recovery Grant, businesses can be reimbursed for up to 75% of eligible project costs up to a maximum grant of $3,000, with required documentation, that help the business reopen including:
- Rent/mortgage payments
- Re-hiring staff (hourly/salaried excluding benefits)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Cleaning/disinfecting supplies, equipment, etc.
- Interior alterations to comply with new social distancing requirements/recommendations
- Marketing
- Exterior property improvements (i.e. façade, lighting signage and sidewalk café etc.)
- Technology solutions
Bluegrass Care Navigators: Compassion from a Distance Program Helps Volunteers Connect with Patients During Pandemic
Bluegrass Care Navigators now offers a unique way to provide volunteer support to patients during the pandemic. The organization’s Compassion from a Distance program allows volunteers to safely support patients and families through a variety of socially-distanced or virtual activities developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospice volunteers are a valuable part of the patient care team at Bluegrass Care Navigators. Volunteers offer companionship, emotional support, and assistance with daily activities to both patients and their families.
Some examples of how volunteers continue to safely support hospice patients and families include:
Additionally, Bluegrass Care Navigators has adapted the volunteer training program with virtual onboarding and education. There is no cost to apply or be trained to volunteer with the organization.
As Bluegrass Care Navigators continues to serve more patients throughout Kentucky, we need more volunteers! For more information on this program or how to volunteer for Bluegrass Care Navigators, please call 855.492.0812 or visit bgcarenav.org. In Lexington, interested volunteers can contact Community Engagement Coordinator Melanie Hagan at mhagan@bgcarenav.org.
Bluegrass Care Navigators now offers a unique way to provide volunteer support to patients during the pandemic. The organization’s Compassion from a Distance program allows volunteers to safely support patients and families through a variety of socially-distanced or virtual activities developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospice volunteers are a valuable part of the patient care team at Bluegrass Care Navigators. Volunteers offer companionship, emotional support, and assistance with daily activities to both patients and their families.
Some examples of how volunteers continue to safely support hospice patients and families include:
- Care calls. Volunteers work at their own home, making weekly calls to patients and families to check on their needs, in support of our clinical team.
- Grief calls. Volunteers work at their own home, making companionship calls to bereaved family members in support of our counseling program.
- Porch deliveries. Volunteers drop off supplies, gifts and cards for special occasions, and other items to support patients and families without in-person contact.
- Telecare. Volunteers use Bluegrass Care Navigator’s HIPAA-compliant Zoom program to provide virtual companionship.
- Flower program. Volunteers are provided flowers and vases to create bouquets at home for no-contact delivery to patients and families.
- Window painting. Volunteers create cheerful window displays with partner long term care facilities.
Additionally, Bluegrass Care Navigators has adapted the volunteer training program with virtual onboarding and education. There is no cost to apply or be trained to volunteer with the organization.
As Bluegrass Care Navigators continues to serve more patients throughout Kentucky, we need more volunteers! For more information on this program or how to volunteer for Bluegrass Care Navigators, please call 855.492.0812 or visit bgcarenav.org. In Lexington, interested volunteers can contact Community Engagement Coordinator Melanie Hagan at mhagan@bgcarenav.org.
Lexington Public Library Expands Youth Meal Distribution
Meals being provided Monday-Saturday to children, ages 18 and under
The Lexington Public Library announced that it will expand its grab-and-go meal distribution program to its Village Branch located at 2185 Versailles Road. This initiative, in partnership with God’s Pantry Food Bank, began in September through their Northside Branch. Meals are available to youth 18 years old and younger from 3:30-5:30pm, Monday through Saturday and include a take home enrichment activity. Teens and children at the library are welcome to receive a meal or parents may pick up one meal per day for each minor child in their household.
Shelf-stable meals may be picked up using curbside service at either the Northside or Village Branches by calling the posted number at either location. Customers at Northside may also pick up their meals inside the facility.
“In Kentucky, one in five children suffer from food insecurity,” said Executive Director Heather Dieffenbach. “We must continue to address these basic needs in order for our children to learn and thrive. This expanding partnership with God’s Pantry will provide food to even more children in multiple communities during a time of incredible uncertainty.” Prior to the emergence of COVID-19, the Library and God’s Pantry partnered to provide after school snacks to youth at the Northside and Village Branches.
Food insecurity, a condition in which households lack access to adequate food because of limited money or other resources, is a leading health and nutrition issue in Kentucky and the United States.
For more information please visit the Lexington Public Library’s website at www.lexpublib.org.
Meals being provided Monday-Saturday to children, ages 18 and under
The Lexington Public Library announced that it will expand its grab-and-go meal distribution program to its Village Branch located at 2185 Versailles Road. This initiative, in partnership with God’s Pantry Food Bank, began in September through their Northside Branch. Meals are available to youth 18 years old and younger from 3:30-5:30pm, Monday through Saturday and include a take home enrichment activity. Teens and children at the library are welcome to receive a meal or parents may pick up one meal per day for each minor child in their household.
Shelf-stable meals may be picked up using curbside service at either the Northside or Village Branches by calling the posted number at either location. Customers at Northside may also pick up their meals inside the facility.
“In Kentucky, one in five children suffer from food insecurity,” said Executive Director Heather Dieffenbach. “We must continue to address these basic needs in order for our children to learn and thrive. This expanding partnership with God’s Pantry will provide food to even more children in multiple communities during a time of incredible uncertainty.” Prior to the emergence of COVID-19, the Library and God’s Pantry partnered to provide after school snacks to youth at the Northside and Village Branches.
Food insecurity, a condition in which households lack access to adequate food because of limited money or other resources, is a leading health and nutrition issue in Kentucky and the United States.
For more information please visit the Lexington Public Library’s website at www.lexpublib.org.
Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance Offices Offering Free WiFi
With many students starting the school year at home, not everyone has decent Internet capacity for multiple devices to be connected at the same time. Kentucky Farm Bureau has stepped up to provide a WiFi option for students and families who may need it for school or to access valuable community resources. All 197 Kentucky Farm Bureau offices have WiFi available. Just pull up in the parking lot to access the signal. Visit HERE to find your nearest Kenucky Farm Bureau office.
With many students starting the school year at home, not everyone has decent Internet capacity for multiple devices to be connected at the same time. Kentucky Farm Bureau has stepped up to provide a WiFi option for students and families who may need it for school or to access valuable community resources. All 197 Kentucky Farm Bureau offices have WiFi available. Just pull up in the parking lot to access the signal. Visit HERE to find your nearest Kenucky Farm Bureau office.
Lexington Habitat for Humanity Delivers Care Packages
The need to stay at home and other ripple effects from the pandemic have intensified the struggles from overpriced, overcrowded and broken down housing conditions that many already face. Lexington Habitat for Humanity is helping by continuing to repair and build homes and by finding new ways to serve people. Recently, Lexington Habitat delivered care packages to 23 homes where they have performed critical homes repairs with folks 70 and older. The need for acts of kindness AND the need for a stable, affordable place to live is clearer than ever. To make a donation to Lexington Habitat, VISIT HERE.
The need to stay at home and other ripple effects from the pandemic have intensified the struggles from overpriced, overcrowded and broken down housing conditions that many already face. Lexington Habitat for Humanity is helping by continuing to repair and build homes and by finding new ways to serve people. Recently, Lexington Habitat delivered care packages to 23 homes where they have performed critical homes repairs with folks 70 and older. The need for acts of kindness AND the need for a stable, affordable place to live is clearer than ever. To make a donation to Lexington Habitat, VISIT HERE.

WUKY Offers Advertising Deals for Reopening Businesses
WUKY is UK’s local NPR station and operates at 100,000 watts. The station covers about an 80 mile radius around Lexington and is celebrating its 80th anniversary making it one of the oldest public radio stations licensed by a university. Radio Research shows that 99% of people working from home listen to radio. NPR has become one of the most trusted resources in news delivery according to Jacobs Media. Since the shutdown has gone on for so long, people have also turned to WUKY for music. Jacobs Media sited our NPR News/AAA music format and Classical format on HD2 have high rankings with listeners as they look for altennatives to news programming. WUKY’s audience is at an all time high on air and online! In radio an effective marketing campaign takes a minimum of 24 to 30 consistent spots, otherwise businesses are wasting their money. For the next two months, we will offer businesses $10 spots with a minimum buy of 30 spots. Businesses can buy as many spots as they want and run the spots through September. If businesses prefer to buy from the rate page we will offer a bonus with 1 ROS spot for every spot that they purchase. Online ads available that normally run $400 a month will be discounted to $100 a month if a business decides to do a on air schedule. In addition to the online ad the station sends out a weekly newsletter to 5000 donors of the weeks best stories and information related to Covid 19. A weekly ad for the newsletter is $50 ea. For more information, contact Gail Bennett.
WUKY is UK’s local NPR station and operates at 100,000 watts. The station covers about an 80 mile radius around Lexington and is celebrating its 80th anniversary making it one of the oldest public radio stations licensed by a university. Radio Research shows that 99% of people working from home listen to radio. NPR has become one of the most trusted resources in news delivery according to Jacobs Media. Since the shutdown has gone on for so long, people have also turned to WUKY for music. Jacobs Media sited our NPR News/AAA music format and Classical format on HD2 have high rankings with listeners as they look for altennatives to news programming. WUKY’s audience is at an all time high on air and online! In radio an effective marketing campaign takes a minimum of 24 to 30 consistent spots, otherwise businesses are wasting their money. For the next two months, we will offer businesses $10 spots with a minimum buy of 30 spots. Businesses can buy as many spots as they want and run the spots through September. If businesses prefer to buy from the rate page we will offer a bonus with 1 ROS spot for every spot that they purchase. Online ads available that normally run $400 a month will be discounted to $100 a month if a business decides to do a on air schedule. In addition to the online ad the station sends out a weekly newsletter to 5000 donors of the weeks best stories and information related to Covid 19. A weekly ad for the newsletter is $50 ea. For more information, contact Gail Bennett.

AT&T Contributes $50,000 to University of Kentucky HealthCare Foundation
Across the country – and around the world – first responders and medical personnel are playing a critical role in helping care for their communities during the COVID-19 crisis. One of AT&T's core values is making a difference in its communities. So, to support Kentucky families and those who are combatting the pandemic, AT&T is contributing $50,000 to expand UK HealthCare’s critical care telehealth program.
The contribution will allow UK HealthCare’s critical care telehealth program, known as eICU, to add smart cameras to six intensive care rooms, providing advanced technology capable of monitoring vital signs and alerting staff to potential problems before patient deterioration. The program enables a co-located team of doctors and nurses to remotely monitor patients in the ICU regardless of patient location, providing 24/7 clinical over watch for our most critically ill patients.
AT&T is also supporting healthcare workers by offering three months of free wireless service for frontline nurses and physicians (M.D. and D.O.) nationwide on a FirstNet Mobile—Responder plan for a smartphone or tablet. 1 The FirstNet® network was built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). Nurses and physicians already on FirstNet Mobile – Responder plan will automatically receive the 3-month service credit on a smartphone or tablet line of service.
Across the country – and around the world – first responders and medical personnel are playing a critical role in helping care for their communities during the COVID-19 crisis. One of AT&T's core values is making a difference in its communities. So, to support Kentucky families and those who are combatting the pandemic, AT&T is contributing $50,000 to expand UK HealthCare’s critical care telehealth program.
The contribution will allow UK HealthCare’s critical care telehealth program, known as eICU, to add smart cameras to six intensive care rooms, providing advanced technology capable of monitoring vital signs and alerting staff to potential problems before patient deterioration. The program enables a co-located team of doctors and nurses to remotely monitor patients in the ICU regardless of patient location, providing 24/7 clinical over watch for our most critically ill patients.
AT&T is also supporting healthcare workers by offering three months of free wireless service for frontline nurses and physicians (M.D. and D.O.) nationwide on a FirstNet Mobile—Responder plan for a smartphone or tablet. 1 The FirstNet® network was built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). Nurses and physicians already on FirstNet Mobile – Responder plan will automatically receive the 3-month service credit on a smartphone or tablet line of service.
Unified Trust Co. Launched Community Campaign Called 'Unified With Lexington' to Assist the Community During a Difficult Time
The 'Unified With Lexington' campaign was created to serve as an example that no matter what industry you are in or how many employees you have or what size budget you have to work with, investing in the community is something we can all do. During this pandemic, healthcare heroes are working countless hours to take care of our physical well-being, and Unified Trust Co. wanted to take care of their financial well-being by offering a complimentary financial plan to healthcare workers and extend the offer through the end of the year.
Unified Trust Co. also created a Financial Helpline to help people who are really struggling right now either through job loss or being furloughed. Unified Trust Co.'s team of Certified Financial Planners and Accredited Investment Fiduciaries is available to be a resource for anyone who just wants some financial peace of mind. The helpline is not a sales tool. Rather, it's a free local resource to get financial questions answered, no strings attached! The helpline is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by calling (866) 934-5078.
Each week, Unified Trust Co. selects a local restaurant and highlights the ways it can support them in a feature to its Lexington client base. The business does extend some financial support as well by purchasing a nice treat for their employees that are still working onsite each week. Find out more about Unified Trust Co.'s community investing efforts HERE.
The 'Unified With Lexington' campaign was created to serve as an example that no matter what industry you are in or how many employees you have or what size budget you have to work with, investing in the community is something we can all do. During this pandemic, healthcare heroes are working countless hours to take care of our physical well-being, and Unified Trust Co. wanted to take care of their financial well-being by offering a complimentary financial plan to healthcare workers and extend the offer through the end of the year.
Unified Trust Co. also created a Financial Helpline to help people who are really struggling right now either through job loss or being furloughed. Unified Trust Co.'s team of Certified Financial Planners and Accredited Investment Fiduciaries is available to be a resource for anyone who just wants some financial peace of mind. The helpline is not a sales tool. Rather, it's a free local resource to get financial questions answered, no strings attached! The helpline is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by calling (866) 934-5078.
Each week, Unified Trust Co. selects a local restaurant and highlights the ways it can support them in a feature to its Lexington client base. The business does extend some financial support as well by purchasing a nice treat for their employees that are still working onsite each week. Find out more about Unified Trust Co.'s community investing efforts HERE.
Alzheimer's Association - Greater Kentucky/Southern Indiana Chapter Transitions In-person Training & Support Groups to Virtual Delivery
In these unprecedented times,caring for a loved one with dementia can add great anxiety. To help people stay connected to resources and support groups, the Alzheimer's Association - Greater Kentucky/Southern Indiana Chapter is still available day or night through its Helpline staffed by trained dementia specialists by calling (800) 272-3900. They can offer support, information, referrals, and care consultations and in more than 200 different languages. In addition, the organization has transitioned all of its in-person training and support groups to a virtual format, so that people who need that assistance. To find a support group, call the Helpline at (800) 272-3900 or visit HERE. An on-line community for people living with dementia and their family members is available ON-LINE HERE. There are also a variety of free on-line webinars on a number of topics, and to see that schedule, visit the Alzheimer's Association's website HERE.
In these unprecedented times,caring for a loved one with dementia can add great anxiety. To help people stay connected to resources and support groups, the Alzheimer's Association - Greater Kentucky/Southern Indiana Chapter is still available day or night through its Helpline staffed by trained dementia specialists by calling (800) 272-3900. They can offer support, information, referrals, and care consultations and in more than 200 different languages. In addition, the organization has transitioned all of its in-person training and support groups to a virtual format, so that people who need that assistance. To find a support group, call the Helpline at (800) 272-3900 or visit HERE. An on-line community for people living with dementia and their family members is available ON-LINE HERE. There are also a variety of free on-line webinars on a number of topics, and to see that schedule, visit the Alzheimer's Association's website HERE.
Churchill McGee is Giving Back
Churchill McGee wants to help do their part in supporting people in need. If your business needs help with storage- please reach out. They are happy to help store for free in their brand new facility during this unprecedented time. They also have a large open gym style space if you need a temporary space for a meeting, gathering and/or kids to play/train basketball, soccer, etc. Visit them on-line at https://www.churchillmcgee.com/. Contact Hanna Morguelan to reserve the space. |
Restaurant Owners Create Free Meal Program for People with Food Allergies; Program Launches on Wednesday, May 13
Denise Walsh, owner of Gluten Free Miracles (145 Burt Road), and Sylvia Lovely, co-owner of Azur Restaurant and Patio (3070 Lakecrest Circle), have teamed up to form a new faith-based, non-profit initiative that provides free meals to people with food allergies and sensitivities, called Feed Our Neighbor. Beginning at 2:00 p.m. on May 13, anyone who is in need of gluten-free or food sensitivity family-sized meals—consisting of soups/stews, breads, and eggs—can pick up food at no charge in the parking lot of Gluten Free Miracles, located at 145 Burt Road, near Jeff’s Car wash and across from Zandale Shopping Center. Those interested in receiving meals should pre-register online at feedourneighbor.com. Though aimed at gluten-free and food sensitivity needs, all who register will be served. Anyone who arrives without pre-registering will also be served but only while supplies last. Meal pick-ups will continue every Wednesday and Saturday 2:00-3:00 p.m. (subject to change) throughout the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Project will launch on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.
Denise Walsh, owner of Gluten Free Miracles (145 Burt Road), and Sylvia Lovely, co-owner of Azur Restaurant and Patio (3070 Lakecrest Circle), have teamed up to form a new faith-based, non-profit initiative that provides free meals to people with food allergies and sensitivities, called Feed Our Neighbor. Beginning at 2:00 p.m. on May 13, anyone who is in need of gluten-free or food sensitivity family-sized meals—consisting of soups/stews, breads, and eggs—can pick up food at no charge in the parking lot of Gluten Free Miracles, located at 145 Burt Road, near Jeff’s Car wash and across from Zandale Shopping Center. Those interested in receiving meals should pre-register online at feedourneighbor.com. Though aimed at gluten-free and food sensitivity needs, all who register will be served. Anyone who arrives without pre-registering will also be served but only while supplies last. Meal pick-ups will continue every Wednesday and Saturday 2:00-3:00 p.m. (subject to change) throughout the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Project will launch on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.
Columbia Gas of Kentucky Donates to Several Nonprofit Agencies
Columbia Gas of Kentucky has announced $24,000 in donations from the NiSource Charitable Foundation to five area nonprofit agencies as part of its commitment to support Kentucky communities during the COVID-19 crisis. The gifts were made to support those organizations’ efforts to help the most vulnerable residents across the company’s 30-county service area. The funding was distributed to:
Columbia Gas of Kentucky has announced $24,000 in donations from the NiSource Charitable Foundation to five area nonprofit agencies as part of its commitment to support Kentucky communities during the COVID-19 crisis. The gifts were made to support those organizations’ efforts to help the most vulnerable residents across the company’s 30-county service area. The funding was distributed to:
- Lexington Catholic Action Center, which provides shelter, meals and other services for the homeless in Fayette County;
- God’s Pantry Food Bank, which distributes food donations to families in 50 counties in Central and Eastern Kentucky in partnership with more than 400 food pantries and meal programs;
- River Cities Harvest, which distributes food to partner agencies for families in Boyd and Greenup counties;
- Ashland Community Kitchen, which provides meals and job training in Boyd County; and
- Christian Appalachian Project, which provides hunger, poverty and disaster relief services for families in Eastern Kentucky.
Kentucky American Water Donates to Local Coronavirus Relief Funds
Kentucky American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation have announced that the Foundation will provide $15,000 in grants to Kentucky organizations for their COVID-19 relief efforts. The American Water Charitable Foundation is donating $10,000 to God’s Pantry Food Bank, $3,500 to Hope’s Hands in Owen County, and $1,500 to the Coronavirus Response Fund. This is in addition to a $1,000 donation Kentucky American Water made in March to the Coronavirus Response Fund and a $100,000 donation American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation made in March to Feeding America, of which God’s Pantry Food Bank is a member. In March, Kentucky American Water was one of the first water utilities to suspend shutoffs for nonpayment and restored previously discontinued customer service. It has also suspended late fees until further notice and is working with customers who are experiencing hardships, including offering the option to apply for payment programs and, for income-eligible customers, its H2O Help to Others payment assistance program.
Kentucky American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation have announced that the Foundation will provide $15,000 in grants to Kentucky organizations for their COVID-19 relief efforts. The American Water Charitable Foundation is donating $10,000 to God’s Pantry Food Bank, $3,500 to Hope’s Hands in Owen County, and $1,500 to the Coronavirus Response Fund. This is in addition to a $1,000 donation Kentucky American Water made in March to the Coronavirus Response Fund and a $100,000 donation American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation made in March to Feeding America, of which God’s Pantry Food Bank is a member. In March, Kentucky American Water was one of the first water utilities to suspend shutoffs for nonpayment and restored previously discontinued customer service. It has also suspended late fees until further notice and is working with customers who are experiencing hardships, including offering the option to apply for payment programs and, for income-eligible customers, its H2O Help to Others payment assistance program.
Tempur Sealy Donates New Mattresses to Hope Center Emergency Shelter, Recovery Center for Women
Tempur Sealy donated 40 medical mattresses to the Hope Center Emergency Shelter clients who are staying temporarily at Transylvania University’s Beck Center and 100 mattresses to the Ball-Quantrell Jones Recovery Center for Women. “Two of Tempur Sealy’s core values are ‘We care about each other,’ and “We do the right thing,’” said Rick Maynard, senior manager of public relations for Tempur Sealy. “We appreciate the opportunity to support the fine work the Hope Center is doing in our hometown of Lexington during this unprecedented and challenging time." To make a monetary donation to The Hope Center, VISIT HERE. |
Renee Jackson Insurance Agency, Barney Miller's Conducting Local Food Drive for Kids in Woodhill Area; Here's How You Can Help!
Kudos to both Renee Jackson Insurance Agency and Barney Miller's who have been conducting a local effort to collect food for children in the Woodhill area of Lexington. The two businesses are inviting anyone who wants to help to join the effort that feeds 200 kids each day in the Woodhill Community Center. Here are three easy steps to participate: [CLICK HERE FOR FLYER]
Kudos to both Renee Jackson Insurance Agency and Barney Miller's who have been conducting a local effort to collect food for children in the Woodhill area of Lexington. The two businesses are inviting anyone who wants to help to join the effort that feeds 200 kids each day in the Woodhill Community Center. Here are three easy steps to participate: [CLICK HERE FOR FLYER]
- The next time you shop for groceries, pick up canned soup or ravioli, packaged noodles, juice boxes, fresh fruit such as apples and oranges, fruit snacks and granola bars.
- E-mail woodhillfood4kids@gmail.com to let them know you have a donation, and your name and address.
- They will confirm a pick-up time and we can pick-up from your front porch and deliver to the Woodhill Community Center for you!

Sunrise Children’s Service Leader Journey Raises Awareness and Funding
Many kudos to Sunrise Children’s Services vice president of marketing and advancement, Rick Burslem, who completed a 153-mile walkabout last Sunday. Burslem, 62, began his journey on April 2 with stops in Elizabethtown (where the organization has two facilities), Danville, Mt. Washington, and Somerset. He concluded his trek at the organization’s Glen Dale facility in Mt. Washington, where he was greeted by residents holding homemade banners and cheering him on. Burslem said the primary goal of his hike was to share the importance of Sunrise’s services, tell the stories of the children and families under Sunrise’s care, and herald the efforts of their dedicated staff. Along the way, he stopped in the towns to visit with Sunrise residents, community leaders, foster families, and other stakeholders, all while practicing social distancing. While advocacy was the primary objective of this exercise, the effort also netted the organization nearly $115,000 in donations, with one anonymous couple giving a gift of $100,000 in support of the children at Sunrise. Additional donations can be made HERE.
Many kudos to Sunrise Children’s Services vice president of marketing and advancement, Rick Burslem, who completed a 153-mile walkabout last Sunday. Burslem, 62, began his journey on April 2 with stops in Elizabethtown (where the organization has two facilities), Danville, Mt. Washington, and Somerset. He concluded his trek at the organization’s Glen Dale facility in Mt. Washington, where he was greeted by residents holding homemade banners and cheering him on. Burslem said the primary goal of his hike was to share the importance of Sunrise’s services, tell the stories of the children and families under Sunrise’s care, and herald the efforts of their dedicated staff. Along the way, he stopped in the towns to visit with Sunrise residents, community leaders, foster families, and other stakeholders, all while practicing social distancing. While advocacy was the primary objective of this exercise, the effort also netted the organization nearly $115,000 in donations, with one anonymous couple giving a gift of $100,000 in support of the children at Sunrise. Additional donations can be made HERE.
Lexington Marriott City Center Donates Unused Food to FoodChain
Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the Lexington Marriott City Center's culinary team had food they were unable to use that would otherwise have gone to waste. They donated this food to FoodChain, a local nonprofit, who re-processed this food for use in our community. Glean Kentucky, another nonprofit, picked up these food donations and our culinary team worked with them, as well, on this endeavor. Outside of Marriott City Center Complex Features Ongoing Light Show In addition, the Marriott City Center complex has orchestrated a light show to honor our heroes working the front lines during the Coronavirus outbreak. The light show could be viewed from outside the building. A new song and format specific iHeartRadio station will be featured each week. View one of the recent light shows on-line HERE. |

LBAR Donates $50,000 to Team Kentucky Fund
At a recent Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors meeting, it was approved to contribute $50K to the Team Kentucky Fund, developed by Governor Andy Beshear to deliver financial aid to those severely financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Aid provided by the fund, according to both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, will help cover mortgages, rent, utilities and other needs after they have had their lives turned upside down by this devastating crisis.
LBAR President Greg Buchanan stated, "REALTORS® are the fabric of every community and this donation reiterates how important it is to remain community focused for all our citizens through this crisis. This fund is a perfect outlet to get much needed support to those who need assistance during these unprecedented times." “I’m extremely proud of our association for stepping up,” said Justin Landon, LBAR’s chief executive officer. “REALTORS® are some of the most civic minded people you could ever be around and this is just one demonstration of that commitment.”
At a recent Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors meeting, it was approved to contribute $50K to the Team Kentucky Fund, developed by Governor Andy Beshear to deliver financial aid to those severely financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Aid provided by the fund, according to both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, will help cover mortgages, rent, utilities and other needs after they have had their lives turned upside down by this devastating crisis.
LBAR President Greg Buchanan stated, "REALTORS® are the fabric of every community and this donation reiterates how important it is to remain community focused for all our citizens through this crisis. This fund is a perfect outlet to get much needed support to those who need assistance during these unprecedented times." “I’m extremely proud of our association for stepping up,” said Justin Landon, LBAR’s chief executive officer. “REALTORS® are some of the most civic minded people you could ever be around and this is just one demonstration of that commitment.”
LBX Company Among Several Companies Helping to Supply Medical Equipment for Kentucky-based Healthcare Providers
[From KY State Chamber] Commerce Lexington Inc. member LBX Company has been working alongside the Kentucky Chinese American Association (KYCAA) and Aetna Better Health of Kentucky to help supply medical equipment to Kentucky-based health care providers. Collectively, the companies have raised more than $20,000 to purchase PPE products such as much needed N95 masks, surgical masks, gloves, face shields and protective gowns. The products will be distributed to the Kentucky Department of Public Health in Frankfort, Baptist Healthcare, Lexington Clinic, Modern Dentistry and the Red Cross in Lexington.
“LBX is working with international organizations to acquire personal protective equipment for our local medical professionals,” said Eric Sauvage, President & CEO, LBX Company LLC. “We authorized a $5,000 contribution yesterday for N95 masks. In addition to that, we contacted our parent, Sumitomo Construction Machinery and asked if they could assist with the needs here in Kentucky. They generously responded with an additional 5,000 surgical masks for us.” READ FULL STORY HERE
[From KY State Chamber] Commerce Lexington Inc. member LBX Company has been working alongside the Kentucky Chinese American Association (KYCAA) and Aetna Better Health of Kentucky to help supply medical equipment to Kentucky-based health care providers. Collectively, the companies have raised more than $20,000 to purchase PPE products such as much needed N95 masks, surgical masks, gloves, face shields and protective gowns. The products will be distributed to the Kentucky Department of Public Health in Frankfort, Baptist Healthcare, Lexington Clinic, Modern Dentistry and the Red Cross in Lexington.
“LBX is working with international organizations to acquire personal protective equipment for our local medical professionals,” said Eric Sauvage, President & CEO, LBX Company LLC. “We authorized a $5,000 contribution yesterday for N95 masks. In addition to that, we contacted our parent, Sumitomo Construction Machinery and asked if they could assist with the needs here in Kentucky. They generously responded with an additional 5,000 surgical masks for us.” READ FULL STORY HERE
Dean Dorton Offers Short-Term Accounting Assistance
Dean Dorton is adding Short-Term Accounting Assistance to its Accounting and Financial Outsourcing (AFO) list of available services in an attempt help businesses and organizations who are overwhelmed with day-to-day finance requirements due to the unforeseen circumstances caused by COVID-19. This is the first time that Dean Dorton has offered a short-term accounting solution since relaunching the AFO Service Group in 2016. The new Short-Term Accounting Services provide scalable solutions for clients to help manage their finances and accounting in a cost-effective manner that is completely customizable.
With the new Short-Term Accounting Services, there are no restrictions to what accounting and financial management tool the organization must use. This new service is available to any organization in need of assistance, regardless of what accounting method/software they currently utilize.
For more information visit: https://deandorton.com/services/accounting-and-financial-outsourcing/short-term-accounting-assistance/
Dean Dorton is adding Short-Term Accounting Assistance to its Accounting and Financial Outsourcing (AFO) list of available services in an attempt help businesses and organizations who are overwhelmed with day-to-day finance requirements due to the unforeseen circumstances caused by COVID-19. This is the first time that Dean Dorton has offered a short-term accounting solution since relaunching the AFO Service Group in 2016. The new Short-Term Accounting Services provide scalable solutions for clients to help manage their finances and accounting in a cost-effective manner that is completely customizable.
With the new Short-Term Accounting Services, there are no restrictions to what accounting and financial management tool the organization must use. This new service is available to any organization in need of assistance, regardless of what accounting method/software they currently utilize.
For more information visit: https://deandorton.com/services/accounting-and-financial-outsourcing/short-term-accounting-assistance/
Crank & Boom Helping to Benefit the Community & Healthcare Workers
Crank and Boom Craft Ice Cream has been cranking out the flavors for the last several weeks in an effort to benefit multiple organizations and people throughout the community. Because of Crank and Boom's efforts and the community's response, they have been able to donate $4500 to FoodChain, $1600 to FEED Backpack Program, donate $1200 (and more) to Restaurant Workers Relief Program, potentially donate $1400 to Glean Kentucky, and pack over 850 bags of non-perishable food for FEED, as well as donate ice cream to Baptist Health Hospital, Pupsicles to the Lexington Humane Society, and ice cream to Sayre Christian Village. Now, Crank and Boom is launching the TREAT THE FRONT LINE INITIATIVE and coordinating with health care facilities to get ice cream to their incredible staffs. DONATE HERE! |

Peggy's Gifts & Accessories on Clay Avenue Makes Easter Special for Grandmother & Granddaughter
Leslie Vose, a Partner at Landrum & Shouse Law Offices wanted to give a shout out to Peggy’s Gifts & Accessories on Clay Avenue. Leslie has an 18-month old granddaughter who lives in Louisville and being unable to be with her on Easter was tough on this grandmother. She called Peggy’s, and her staff picked out the perfect stuffed Lamb, wrapped, and mailed it. Her granddaughter opened it on Easter morning, and they were able to Facetime each other. Leslie said, "I am so grateful this store has remained open and is so service-oriented!" Call Peggy's Gifts & Accessories at (859) 255-3188.
Leslie Vose, a Partner at Landrum & Shouse Law Offices wanted to give a shout out to Peggy’s Gifts & Accessories on Clay Avenue. Leslie has an 18-month old granddaughter who lives in Louisville and being unable to be with her on Easter was tough on this grandmother. She called Peggy’s, and her staff picked out the perfect stuffed Lamb, wrapped, and mailed it. Her granddaughter opened it on Easter morning, and they were able to Facetime each other. Leslie said, "I am so grateful this store has remained open and is so service-oriented!" Call Peggy's Gifts & Accessories at (859) 255-3188.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing KY Making Face Shields for Doctors and Nurses
[From LEX18.com] Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky is known to look out for its local communities, but now the auto industry leader is offering national help to fight COVID 19. TMMK is producing and donating a half a million face shields for doctors and nurses across the country. TMMK President Susan Elkington says production engineers created the "halo" design. Known for its efficiency in auto-making, Toyota is doing the same with the face shields, churning out seven-thousand a day. The company buys then cuts the thin plexiglass that covers the face. FULL STORY HERE
[From LEX18.com] Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky is known to look out for its local communities, but now the auto industry leader is offering national help to fight COVID 19. TMMK is producing and donating a half a million face shields for doctors and nurses across the country. TMMK President Susan Elkington says production engineers created the "halo" design. Known for its efficiency in auto-making, Toyota is doing the same with the face shields, churning out seven-thousand a day. The company buys then cuts the thin plexiglass that covers the face. FULL STORY HERE
AgTech Scientific Transitions to Producing Non-Hemp Based Food Products to Aid Country During COVID-19 Crisis
AgTech Scientific has announced that it will immediately begin utilizing essential employees and greenhouse indoor farming capabilities to serve our nation’s supply chain, to help ease the increasing demand on our food supply systems at this time and beyond. This will not affect AgTech’s ability to supply hemp or hemp derived products. Thanks to the combined management experience under the AgTech umbrella, supply chain disruption, which is commonplace across agricultural industries, was modeled and has allowed the organization to ensure that it consistently keeps more than a one-year supply of raw materials on hand. Ultra-modern, stable, and controlled growing environments are needed during this pandemic, and AgTech believes it will continue to be more prevalent in the new economy going forward. AgTech remains dedicated to protecting employees by encouraging remote work and increasing safety standards for those continuing to work on-site. Find out more HERE.
AgTech Scientific has announced that it will immediately begin utilizing essential employees and greenhouse indoor farming capabilities to serve our nation’s supply chain, to help ease the increasing demand on our food supply systems at this time and beyond. This will not affect AgTech’s ability to supply hemp or hemp derived products. Thanks to the combined management experience under the AgTech umbrella, supply chain disruption, which is commonplace across agricultural industries, was modeled and has allowed the organization to ensure that it consistently keeps more than a one-year supply of raw materials on hand. Ultra-modern, stable, and controlled growing environments are needed during this pandemic, and AgTech believes it will continue to be more prevalent in the new economy going forward. AgTech remains dedicated to protecting employees by encouraging remote work and increasing safety standards for those continuing to work on-site. Find out more HERE.
Jeff Ruby Foundation Donates to Restaurant Workers Relief
[From LEX18.com] The Jeff Ruby Foundation announced Wednesday that it will donate $50,000 to restaurant worker relief funds in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. As a way to support workers in Cincinnati, Lexington, Louisville and Nashville, the Foundation has donated $40,000 to the LEE Initiative's Restaurant Workers Relief Program. The program was launched on March 17 in Louisville, to help furloughed restaurant workers with to-go meals, as well as grocery items. In Ohio, the Jeff Ruby Foundation is donating $10,000 to the Ohio Restaurant Association. FULL STORY HERE |
Kentucky Eagle Helps Transport Supplies Across the State
[From WKYT.com] Kentucky Eagle is usually hauling our favorite beers and wines to destinations across the state, but lately their loads have had a different look. Tate Russell, the President of the company, says herself and other distribution companies have stepped forward to deliver hand sanitizer and cleaners to locations across the state. The substances were made by distilleries to help with hand sanitizing shortages. Kentucky Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett says dozens of hubs are set up across the state for drop off points. It's up to the community health leaders on how the product is distributed. FULL STORY HERE |

AT&T to Support Nurses & Physicians With 3 Months of Free Service on FirstNet Network
AT&T delivered “Some Good News” announcing three months of free wireless service for frontline nurses and physicians nationwide on the FirstNet® network – built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). Nurses and physicians already on FirstNet Mobile – Responder plan will automatically receive the 3-month service credit on a smartphone or tablet line of service. Starting Monday, April 13, new subscribers are also eligible, connecting them to reliable critical communications with always-on priority access to the network, with fastest overall nationwide network experience.
In addition to three months of free service, nurses and physicians signing-on to FirstNet can get a $200 activation credit when activating a new FirstNet Ready™ smartphone on a new FirstNet Mobile-Responder plan. To find out more about this offer, VISIT HERE.
The COVID-19 health crisis illustrates precisely why public safety fought for the creation of FirstNet, the only nationwide high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders. While commercial wireless offerings are available to public safety, FirstNet continues to grow because of its unique public safety features that wireless networks built for the general public can’t provide. These include innovative, mission-focused tools and technologies, always-on, always-ready service for first responders, FirstNet Ready™ devices, a robust ecosystem of highly secure and public safety tested apps, a fleet of dedicated network deployables and more.
AT&T delivered “Some Good News” announcing three months of free wireless service for frontline nurses and physicians nationwide on the FirstNet® network – built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). Nurses and physicians already on FirstNet Mobile – Responder plan will automatically receive the 3-month service credit on a smartphone or tablet line of service. Starting Monday, April 13, new subscribers are also eligible, connecting them to reliable critical communications with always-on priority access to the network, with fastest overall nationwide network experience.
In addition to three months of free service, nurses and physicians signing-on to FirstNet can get a $200 activation credit when activating a new FirstNet Ready™ smartphone on a new FirstNet Mobile-Responder plan. To find out more about this offer, VISIT HERE.
The COVID-19 health crisis illustrates precisely why public safety fought for the creation of FirstNet, the only nationwide high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders. While commercial wireless offerings are available to public safety, FirstNet continues to grow because of its unique public safety features that wireless networks built for the general public can’t provide. These include innovative, mission-focused tools and technologies, always-on, always-ready service for first responders, FirstNet Ready™ devices, a robust ecosystem of highly secure and public safety tested apps, a fleet of dedicated network deployables and more.
Nourish Lexington Initiative Will Employ Displaced Food Service Workers, While Feeding Lexington Families in Need
The Nourish Lexington initiative seeks to utilize the skills and talents of hospitality workers recently unemployed due to the COVID-19 closings to provide prepared meals to those who need immediate access to food. In exchange for preparing and delivering meals, food service workers will receive a $60 payment for a four-hour shift. Meals will be distributed to hospitality industry families, other families in need, seniors in affordable housing apartment complexes and children and their families through family resource coordinators. To learn more, visit www.nourishlexington.org. |
FoodChain, with support from the E.E. Murry Family Foundation, Keeneland and VisitLEX, formed Nourish Lexington.
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Proceeds from The Keeneland Shop & Keeneland Mercantile During April to be Donated to Nourish Lexington Initiative
True to Keeneland's founding mission to give back to our community, The Keeneland Shop and Keeneland Mercantile are committed to supporting those in need during this period of uncertainty. That's why 100% of the proceeds from online purchases throughout the month of April will be donated to Nourish Lexington, an initiative to provide warm meals to our friends and neighbors during tough times, prepared and delivered by Lexington's talented, underemployed hospitality workers who have been affected by the COVID-19 closings. Shop online and receive free shipping on handcrafted products made by local small business owners, equine style for your home, or Easter gifts for the kids. It's just one more way we can make a difference in our community, together. Shop on-line at Keeneland Mercantile or The Keeneland Shop.
True to Keeneland's founding mission to give back to our community, The Keeneland Shop and Keeneland Mercantile are committed to supporting those in need during this period of uncertainty. That's why 100% of the proceeds from online purchases throughout the month of April will be donated to Nourish Lexington, an initiative to provide warm meals to our friends and neighbors during tough times, prepared and delivered by Lexington's talented, underemployed hospitality workers who have been affected by the COVID-19 closings. Shop online and receive free shipping on handcrafted products made by local small business owners, equine style for your home, or Easter gifts for the kids. It's just one more way we can make a difference in our community, together. Shop on-line at Keeneland Mercantile or The Keeneland Shop.
Windstream Enterprise Supports Businesses with Remote Worker Solutions; Offering Free 90-Day Trial of OfficeSuite UC and more!
To support businesses implementing new remote work-from-home environments, Windstream Enterprise (WE), a managed communications services provider, launched a free 90-day trial of its award-winning OfficeSuite UC® and HD Meeting® services and video conferencing to all new and existing customers.
New and existing customers are eligible for this free trial, providing enterprises with an easy and affordable option to rapidly enable remote workforces via a robust cloud-based communications and collaboration platform.
Windstream announced that its network is performing well amid a 50 percent increase in voice traffic and a 30 percent increase in data traffic since mid-March. These increases are well within the company’s defined network operational tolerances. Both HD Meeting® minutes and participants have increased sharply, but overall OfficeSuite network traffic is running at approximately 50 percent of capacity, ensuring that new customers will have the service availability they need. In addition, Windstream has a dedicated team to accelerate the delivery of critical services and install additional network capacity for businesses and wholesale customers experiencing spikes in demand. To find out more about this offer, VISIT HERE.
To support businesses implementing new remote work-from-home environments, Windstream Enterprise (WE), a managed communications services provider, launched a free 90-day trial of its award-winning OfficeSuite UC® and HD Meeting® services and video conferencing to all new and existing customers.
New and existing customers are eligible for this free trial, providing enterprises with an easy and affordable option to rapidly enable remote workforces via a robust cloud-based communications and collaboration platform.
Windstream announced that its network is performing well amid a 50 percent increase in voice traffic and a 30 percent increase in data traffic since mid-March. These increases are well within the company’s defined network operational tolerances. Both HD Meeting® minutes and participants have increased sharply, but overall OfficeSuite network traffic is running at approximately 50 percent of capacity, ensuring that new customers will have the service availability they need. In addition, Windstream has a dedicated team to accelerate the delivery of critical services and install additional network capacity for businesses and wholesale customers experiencing spikes in demand. To find out more about this offer, VISIT HERE.
Kentucky Distilleries Produce Hand Sanitizer to Meet Critical Need
It wasn't too long into the COVID-19 pandemic that distilleries across the state began producing hand sanitizer to meet a critical need across the state, including Commerce Lexington Inc. members Alltech's Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., Beam Suntory, Buffalo Trace Distillery, and James E. Pepper Distilling Co.
It wasn't too long into the COVID-19 pandemic that distilleries across the state began producing hand sanitizer to meet a critical need across the state, including Commerce Lexington Inc. members Alltech's Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., Beam Suntory, Buffalo Trace Distillery, and James E. Pepper Distilling Co.
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Sayre Christian Village Uses Social Media to Set Up Relief Fund to Help Offset Extra Costs
An independent nonprofit senior living community. and the ONLY nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Fayette County, Sayre Christian Village had to find a way to offset the unexpected cost of paying employees more per hour and purchasing additional PPE items during this time. Using social media, Sayre staff has set up a COVID-19 Employee Stimulus Plan to raise funds for its healthcare and housing heroes. So far, the fund has raised nearly $16,000. If you would like to donate to the fund, you can do so on Facebook HERE. |
Balance Creative and Bluegrass Learning Solutions Launch Social Distancing Influencer PSA
Balance Creative and Bluegrass Learning Solutions have collaborated on an animated “Social Distancing Influencer” public service announcement and are sharing it with the community in an effort to stress the critical importance of following the COVID-19 safety guidelines set forth by the CDC, state, and local officials. The PSA is available at no cost to all Kentucky stakeholders, which means everyone! You can download the video HERE. |

American Cancer Society Using The Hope Lodge for Healthcare Workers to Rest & Relax
[From LEX18 News] The American Cancer Society is helping people on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus in a unique way. By offering the healthcare workers a place to rest and relax during this stressful time. The Hope Lodge is a place cancer patients and their families seek refuge and a sense of community during treatment. To protect the most vulnerable, The American Cancer Society has decided to temporarily close the lodge. Instead of letting it sit empty, the ACS has partnered with UK Hospital to lend the facility to people on the front lines. Full story HERE.
[From LEX18 News] The American Cancer Society is helping people on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus in a unique way. By offering the healthcare workers a place to rest and relax during this stressful time. The Hope Lodge is a place cancer patients and their families seek refuge and a sense of community during treatment. To protect the most vulnerable, The American Cancer Society has decided to temporarily close the lodge. Instead of letting it sit empty, the ACS has partnered with UK Hospital to lend the facility to people on the front lines. Full story HERE.
Adcolor Inc. Pivots Production to Make PPE Face Shields
For over 25 years, Adcolor has provided superior graphic solutions to the food service, retail, hospitality, small business, manufacturing, healthcare, local government and professional service markets. With the current COVID-19 pandemic and the need for personal protective equipment locally and statewide, the company recently pivoted its production to make face shields. Costs on these durable shields are low, and the minimum order is just 50 pieces. Owner Dave Messner and the Adcolor team also donated 150 face shields to the City of Lexington's Emergency Operations Center. To find out more, email to info@adcolorinc.com or call (859) 253-1046. |
Bluegrass Hospitality Group Serves Food to First Responders
[From WKYT-TV] The Lexington restaurants that make up the group, including Malone's, Drake's, OBC Kitchen, and Aqua Sushi, are teaming up with local businesses to feed first responders. "We’ll take lunch to them and try to spread a little hope and hospitality during this time," said Amber Cook, marketing director for BHG. Workers are cooking up lunch for the Bluegrass’ biggest heroes, such as medical professionals, the police force and firefighters, starting this week (April 7). The meals will be delivered to city’s biggest heroes by the Drake's food truck. READ MORE |
University of Ky. Researchers Unite to Fight COVID-19
Researchers and faculty from multiple disciplines across the University of Kentucky are coming together as part of the global effort to treat, understand and eradicate COVID-19. The COVID-19 Unified Research Experts (CURE) Alliance team, a new workgroup within UK's College of Medicine, is bringing together UK experts from across the campus to focus on advising COVID-19 patient care and clinical trials based on emerging research and potential treatment options. University of Kentucky officials expect the breadth of this research expertise to play a key role in current patient treatment, as well as understanding that could lead to new antiviral medications, vaccines, and important treatment developments in the future. [MORE] |
Eastern Kentucky University Donates PPE to First Responders
[From LEX18 News] Eastern Kentucky University steps up by donating personal protective equipment (PPE) to Madison County Emergency Management employees. This donation will allow first responders and healthcare workers to work safely as they help the community they serve. Together, EKU, along with Aramark and colleges and departments within the university have donated 55,398 pairs of gloves, 679 gowns, and 2,400 surgical masks. READ MORE |
Lexmark Helping Health Care Workers on the Frontlines of COVID-19 Pandemic
It started as a conversation over a backyard fence. Lexmark employee, Andy Kopp was talking with his neighbor, an emergency room physician in Lexington, who shared that the hospital only had 10 protective face shields for its healthcare providers, and was desperate for more as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. After meeting with Dr. Hollis Hilty from Baptist Health Lexington, the Lexmark team quickly jumped into action to create a prototype face shield. The team is producing between 100-150 shields per day, totaling 955 as of April 1. The hospital picks them up from Lexmark daily and expects to use about 400 shields per week. FULL STORY HERE |
MSI Production Services Offering Truck Usage to Nonprofits, Use of Laptop Computers to Local Students in Need
For any non profits or others in need that need something trucked in during this time of need, MSI Production Services is offering the use of its trucks at no charge. Additionally, MSI has a large Inventory of laptop computers in our rental inventory, and with so many children at home from school due to closures, MSI has decided to help by lending them to use free of charge. All of the computers are Windows based laptops. Call (859) 264-9496 or contact Sam White to inquire about these opportunities. |
Lynn Imaging/Monster Color Offering Free Signage to Help Restaurants Communicate That They are Still Serving Customers
To help restaurants that have remained open to serve customers through curbside pickup or delivery, Lynn Imaging/Monster Color is offering free signage options to provide additional visibility for customers. CLICK HERE to view the flyer highlighting the options available. For additional information, contact Lynn Imaging at (859) 255-1021 or e-mail Cherie Davis. |