Christine Myers for Mainspring

Why I'm Fundraising for Mainspring of Ephrata
If you've enjoyed a First Saturday downtown, marveled at the Tree Lighting ceremony, or explored trails at Heatherwood Bike Park, you've experienced Mainspring of Ephrata's work firsthand.

But here's what you might not know: None of this happens by accident.

Behind every community event, restored storefront, and public space where neighbors connect stands Mainspring of Ephrata – and that's why I'm asking you to support them during ExtraGive.

The Impact You Can See
Walk down Main Street and the transformation is everywhere. The Franklin Street Mural that's become a community landmark. Historic storefronts revitalized through the Facade Improvement Grant program. The award-winning Ephrata Unleashed Dog Park – we were the spark that brought that vision to life. Heatherwood Bike Park drawing visitors from across the region.

These aren't just amenities. They're economic drivers that boost property values, attract businesses, and create the vibrancy that makes communities thrive.

The Experiences You Remember
Think about moments that make Ephrata feel like home: The Tree Lighting ceremony – over 100 years of tradition – bringing thousands downtown. First Saturdays every summer month with live music, local vendors, and FREE events like Back to the Books (backpacks for kids!) and Chalk the Walk. The Luminary Trail that honors our veterans.

Mainspring organizes it all – and keeps it FREE and welcoming.

The Work Behind the Scenes
Beyond visible projects, Mainspring strengthens our local economy by leading the Downtown Business & Property Owners Association and supporting entrepreneurs. As an accredited Main Street America program, they bring resources and expertise that help our historic downtown thrive while preserving its character.

Here's the Reality: 75% of Mainspring's work is funded by private donations.

Last year, volunteers contributed over 1,900 hours (valued at nearly $50,000). But volunteer time can't pay for event permits, art supplies, marketing, or program costs. Financial support turns ideas into reality.

Why Your Gift Matters
Your donation powers:

• Downtown revitalization attracting businesses and visitors
• Free community events building connections
• Public spaces where communities gather
• Business support strengthening our economy
• Historic preservation protecting what makes Ephrata unique

Every amount creates impact. $50 promotes events drawing hundreds downtown. $100 contributes to public art. $250 funds community programming.

Make It Count Even More on November 21st

Special matching opportunities will double your impact:

• Midnight-10 AM: Fuel the Fire Match (up to $500)
• 11 AM-2 PM: Rooted Here Match from The Groves (up to $1,000)
• 4-8 PM: Happy Hour Match (up to $1,000)

Join me at Pour Man's Brewing (24 E. Main Street) from 4-8 PM for live music with Brian & Jeff from Crackerboxx (4-6 PM) and OneMusic (6-8 PM)! Plus, $1 from every house beer sold benefits Mainspring, and you can support multiple Ephrata nonprofits including Ephrata Public Library, Ephrata Community Health Foundation, Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company, Ephrata Area Social Services, Historical Society of Cocalico Valley, and Ephrata Area Education Foundation.

This Is About Believing in Ephrata
Supporting Mainspring means believing Ephrata can be extraordinary. It means choosing to invest in the community we want, not just hoping someone else will build it.

I'm one of those people. I hope you are too.

Will you join me in supporting Mainspring during ExtraGive?

Together, we're building the Ephrata we all want to call home.

Thank you for caring about our community's future.